Publication

This paper discusses how the political, economic and social exclusion of women in the Sahel acts as a barrier to effective peacebuilding in the region. The authors argue that despite growing evidence that placing gender issues centrally within peacebuilding and statebuilding processes improves peace and stability outcomes, international engagement in fragile and conflict-affected states frequently overlooks the relationship between gender inequality and weak governance, under-development, and conflict. They also contend that addressing the Sahel’s multiple challenges requires international actors to recognize the centrality of gender when it comes to improving the region's political, security, and development outcomes.