Gender, Peace and Security Programme

The Gender, Peace and Security Programme (GPS) is one of the key programmatic areas at the Research Department. The GPS is a 3-year programme (2010 – 2012) which aims to address gender and security-related issues in conflict, peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction.  Through research, innovative thinking and training, the GPS further seeks to provide a better understanding, of the gender dynamics in the work of national and regional mechanisms and structures dealing with peace, conflict and security. The GPS also seeks to enhance the capacities and knowledge of the different actors working for the protection of women, men, girls and boys, who are victims of gender-based violence.  The programme will focus on two main activities:

1. Protection against gender-based violence;
2. Mainstreaming gender in national and regional peace and security mechanisms.

The programme’s ongoing research in selected West African countries is expected to further translate into academic publications, policy briefs and the creation of two new courses at the KAIPTC, fully dedicated to mainstreaming Gender in Peace and Security. 

Mainly focusing on West Africa, the GPS aims to strengthen the partnership with the ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) while establishing new linkages with other strategic partners.  The GPS, which also serves as a platform of advocacy, networking and partnership, convenes an annual international conference for experts on Gender, Peace and Security.

The programme also offers tailor-made courses on gender related issues on demand.