Russia-Ukraine war from a gender perspective

Abstract

The paper analyses the effects of the Russia-Ukraine War from a gender lens. It analyses the gendered effects of war from a feminist international relations theory perspective, grounded in poststructuralist philosophy. Using a critical theoretical analysis the paper examines the effects of the war on women, men, and children. From a feminist standpoint position, the paper emphasizes the need to deconstruct gender hierarchies to reconstruct and order social change for equality and sustainable peace. Poststructuralist insights are integrated to expose the power relations in social discourse on war-making and peace-building. Arguing that the patriarchy that exists in many societies fosters inequalities and fuels war The paper also discusses the reality of women not just being victims of war, but also as competent actors in decision-making. The paper concludes by emphasizing the role of men in dismantling patriarchal social norms, systems, and structures, thereby contributing to the necessary transformation for sustainable peace and security.  It aims to contribute to the understanding of the complex interrelationship between gender, war, peace, and security. It suggests future research should include masculinity.