Gender In International Relations & Security Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected and complex global landscape, mastering Gender in International Relations & Security is absolutely critical for policymakers, diplomats, peacebuilders, development practitioners, and security professionals seeking to understand and address the differential impacts of global events and policies on diverse populations. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip foreign service officers, government officials, international organization staff, military personnel, humanitarian aid workers, and civil society advocates with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for analyzing gender dynamics in conflict, integrating gender perspectives into policy, and advancing gender equality in peace and security contexts. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of foundational gender concepts, the evolution of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, the role of gender in conflict analysis and prevention, and the strategic implications of gender mainstreaming for effective diplomacy, development, and defense. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, current international debates on gender justice, and real-world case studies pertinent to complex security challenges, empowering you to effectively contribute to more inclusive and sustainable global outcomes.

This feminist IR and gender mainstreaming in security course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond superficial acknowledgements of gender towards a proactive, expert-level approach to integrating gender analysis into all facets of international relations and security policy. Mastering gender-sensitive conflict analysis, implementing effective strategies for women's participation in peace processes, and understanding strategies for combating gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict are indispensable for building more resilient societies, promoting human security, enhancing operational effectiveness, and achieving sustainable peace. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic gender analysis and inclusive international policy, positioning your organization at the forefront of global efforts to advance gender equality and human rights, and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced policy relevance, improved program impact, and more equitable international cooperation.

Target Audience

• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• Government Officials (Defense, Foreign Affairs, Development)
• International Organization Staff (UN Peacekeeping, Human Rights, Humanitarian Agencies)
• Military & Police Personnel in Peace Operations
• Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution Practitioners
• Humanitarian Aid Workers & NGO Staff
• Human Rights & Gender Equality Advocates

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of gender, gender equality, and their relevance to international relations and security.
• Learn about the evolution of feminist theories in International Relations and critical gender perspectives.
• Master the principles and pillars of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda (UNSCR 1325 and subsequent resolutions).
• Develop proficiency in conducting gender-sensitive conflict analysis and needs assessments.
• Explore best practices for integrating gender perspectives into peace processes, mediation, and diplomacy.
• Understand the critical aspects of preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict and post-conflict settings.
• Learn about robust strategies for promoting women's meaningful participation in decision-making and leadership.
• Identify the critical role of gender in security sector reform (SSR) and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR).
• Develop skills in advocating for gender equality and human rights within international policy frameworks.
• Understand the nexus between gender, climate change, migration, and other global security challenges.
• Explore strategies for implementing gender mainstreaming effectively across diverse policy areas.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive gender-responsive policies and programs in international affairs.
• Position yourself as a leader in advancing gender equality for more effective and sustainable global peace and security.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Gender in International Relations & Security

• Defining gender, sex, gender equality, and intersectionality
• Feminist International Relations (IR) theories and their critique of traditional IR
• The importance of gender analysis for comprehensive understanding of global events
• Gender as a critical lens for security: beyond state security to human security
• The differential impacts of conflict, crisis, and policy on diverse genders

Module 2. The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda

• Origins and evolution of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and subsequent resolutions
• The four pillars of WPS: participation, protection, prevention, relief and recovery
• National Action Plans on WPS: development and implementation challenges
• Accountability mechanisms for WPS commitments
• Case studies of WPS implementation at the international and national levels

Module 3. Gender-Sensitive Conflict Analysis & Prevention

• Conducting gender analysis in conflict-affected contexts
• Identifying gendered drivers and dynamics of conflict
• The role of masculinities and femininities in conflict and violence
• Early warning and conflict prevention with a gender perspective
• Integrating gender into peace and conflict assessments

Module 4. Women's Participation in Peace Processes & Leadership

• Barriers and enablers for women's meaningful participation in peace negotiations
• Strategies for increasing women's representation in mediation and post-conflict governance
• The role of women civil society organizations in peacebuilding
• Examples of successful women's leadership in peace processes
• Gender quotas and affirmative action in political transitions

Module 5. Preventing & Responding to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• Defining GBV in conflict: sexual violence, domestic violence, trafficking
• International legal frameworks for combating GBV (e.g., Rome Statute, CEDAW)
• Strategies for prevention: awareness campaigns, community engagement, addressing root causes
• Survivor-centered approaches to response: medical, psychosocial, legal support
• Accountability for GBV as a war crime and crime against humanity

Module 6. Gender in Security Sector Reform (SSR) & DDR

• Gender mainstreaming in police, military, and justice sector reform
• Increasing women's representation and leadership in security forces
• Addressing gender-based discrimination and harassment within security institutions
• Integrating gender perspectives into Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs
• Needs of female ex-combatants and gender-sensitive small arms control

Module 7. Gender Mainstreaming in Policy & Future Directions

• Practical tools and methodologies for gender mainstreaming in policy development and program design
• Gender budgeting and resource allocation for gender equality
• The intersection of gender with climate change, migration, economic development, and digital security
• Overcoming resistance to gender integration in traditionally male-dominated sectors
• Future challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality in international affairs

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.