Conflict and violence monitoring and early warning systems can save lives. Despite the recognized links between gender inequality and risks of conflict and instability, the integration of gender-sensitive indicators in early warning systems has been infrequent and inconsistent. Overlooking gender in early warning risks ignoring gender norms or behaviors that contribute to violence. It further risks formulating policies and responses that do not account for the different needs and experiences of women, men, girls, and boys. Simply put, we must integrate gender in early warning systems.

To address these gaps and building on existing efforts to mainstream gender in conflict early warning systems, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in partnership with the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO), developed Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Early Warning of Violence and Conflict: A Global Framework.

On May 26, 2021, IFES and CSO held a virtual discussion with global experts from around the world, including Afghanistan and Nigeria, about how this framework can improve violence and conflict early warning systems.

Opening Remarks

• Clare Hutchinson, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace, and Security

Moderator

• Julie Schechter Torres, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, U.S. Department of State

Panelists

• Wazhma Frogh, Founder, Women and Peace Studies Organization in Afghanistan and the recipient of a 2009 Women of Courage Award
• Louise Allen, Gender, Peace and Security Expert, IFES
• Bukola Idowu, Executive Director, Kimpact Development Initiative Nigeria

Closing Remarks

• Regina Waugh, Senior Global Advisor, Gender, IFES