Reconstructing masculinities

How to engage men in advancing the role of women in post-conflict contexts?

By critically examining local economic, cultural and religious practices in Aceh, Maluku and the Bangsamoro, this research reveals how discriminatory gender norms are reproduced within families and community-level institutions, including religious and customary (or clan) institutions.

This research shows that after conflict, masculinities are reconstructed. No longer solely centred around violence and physical strength, men have adapted, finding alternative ways to perpetuate their dominant social status in households and communities. While women are influencing decisions, often in less visible ways, elite, male-dominated institutions, combined with cultural and economic barriers, continue to confine women to caretaking or homemaking roles, gatekeeping their political and economic opportunities.

In all three contexts women have made important contributions to peace, but most people still agree men should hold leadership roles. Yet in some spaces, gender roles are shifting. Men are taking on household chores and women are holding new roles in customary, religious, political and private sector settings that could be further cultivated for greater inclusion.

The report reflects on how mediation, peace and security policy and practice can better respond to the interconnected challenges of unequal gender practices in the family and households, and the effects of conflict-related trauma and gender-based violence in communities and society more broadly. We highlight entry points for locally-led and gender-responsive approaches that can be integrated into policymaking and programme design and implementation.

The study builds on previous analysis by Conciliation Resources on gendered political transitions after conflict and integrating masculinities in peacebuilding and contributes to our efforts towards inclusive and transformative peace.

This research was conducted in partnership with Integral Knowledge Asia.

Conciliation Resources’ involvement in this research was funded by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.