Our research library contains all the research and task reports, as well as other types of tasks
(trainings and events), undertaken by the WPS Helpdesk.
Climate Change
July 14, 2025
Summary: Synergising WPS and Climate Security objectives in UK Policy and Programming
With the UK developing its approach to climate security, there are opportunities for synergy with the UK’s WPS policy and programming. This summary presents findings from participatory gender, climate, and conflict workshops in Fiji and Nigeria in 2024. Findings include: the complexity of climate security worsens an existing tendency towards ‘silos’; a focus on technology in climate mitigation and adaptation can obscure gendered issues of land ownership and resource management as key factors; there is a need to involve men in addressing barriers to women’s influence on climate security. Read More Gender and ConflictGender EqualityGender Equality in Armed ForcesMasculinities and gender norms
March 11, 2025
Women in security decision-making
This report highlights the value of gender diversity, in particular women’s inclusion, for effective decision-making in defence and security contexts. Studies across various fields show that women’s participation often leads to more collaborative, less confrontational decision-making, reducing escalation in crisis situations. However, military culture and gender biases present barriers to fully integrating women’s voices and limit the potential to realise women’s positive influence on decision-making. To address this, research indicates that prioritising women in leadership roles can enhance team dynamics and reduce gender penalties, contributing to improved decision-making. Read More Gender and ConflictGender and intersectionalityGender dynamics of violence and conflictGender Equality
February 21, 2025
Gender equality, disability and social inclusion analysis in Brazil
Despite its international reputation as a peaceful nation, free from traditional armed conflicts, Brazil faces high rates of violence stemming from centuries of discrimination and oppression. Based on extensive research and data collection, this report addresses Brazil’s gender dynamics by highlighting various forms of inequality. The analysis considers the opportunities and challenges present in Brazil’s current political climate and the broader region, emphasising the importance of collaboration between the United Kingdom (UK) and Brazil. Furthermore, it offers recommendations for strengthening this partnership. Read More Gender and ConflictGender and intersectionalityGender dynamics of violence and conflictWomen, peace and security policy and practice
February 6, 2025
Conflict Prevention, Women, Peace and Security and Feminist Perspectives
This briefing paper examines the intersection of feminism, conflict prevention, and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. It highlights the overlooked role of prevention within WPS, emphasising feminist approaches to addressing root causes of conflict. Despite progress in gendered conflict analysis, gaps remain in integrating WPS into mainstream prevention efforts. The paper concludes with recommendations for stronger, more inclusive policies to enhance WPS and feminist conflict prevention. Below is the summary of the briefing, followed by the full briefing. Read More Gender and ConflictGender dynamics of violence and conflictWomen rights organisationsWomen, peace and security policy and practice
January 23, 2025
Gender and Conflict Analysis of the Impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on Women and Girls
This report presents an overview of the impact of the war in Ukraine on women and girls. Drawing on existing analyses and original empirical research conducted for the task, the report presents key findings on the gendered effects of the war in a way that supports gender-sensitive policy making. Read More Gender and ConflictGender and intersectionalityGender dynamics of violence and conflictGender EqualityWomen, peace and security policy and practice
October 22, 2024
Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion in Colombia
The current context in Colombia is marked by political changes, coupled with heightened vulnerabilities due to renewed armed conflict and climate change. The administration of Gustavo Petro, who came into office in 2022, represents the country’s first left-wing presidency. Significant advances in the peace agenda include the highest budget allocation for the 2016 Peace Agreement implementation in the past seven years and the establishment of the Total Peace Policy through Law No. 2272 of 2022, which focuses on negotiating with politically motivated armed groups and criminal organisations. Read More Gender dynamics of violence and conflictGender EqualityProgrammingWomen, peace and security policy and practice
October 8, 2024
Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion Analysis for Nicaragua
The thematic areas explored include disability rights, LGBTQI+ rights, Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities’ rights, educational attainment, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, child marriage, and women’s political and economic participation. In the context of democratic backsliding, authoritarian rule, political repression, and increasing international isolation under Nicaragua’s Sandinista National Liberation Front/ Daniel Ortega’s presidency, posts need to centre the commitment to ‘do no harm’ and avoid backlash to minority and vulnerable groups and support (to the extent possible) civil society efforts to navigate the closure of civic spaces, while building momentum for accountability for human rights violations. Read More Gender and ConflictGender dynamics of violence and conflictGender EqualityProtection and gendered security and justice
September 25, 2024
Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion in Haiti
The GEDSI analysis focuses on the impact of escalating gang violence in Haiti, particularly on women, girls, and vulnerable groups. It also highlights rising gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation, and the struggles of displaced communities. Concerns are raised about the Kenyan-led police force due to past human rights abuses. Finally, the analysis emphasizes the pivotal role of under-resourced women-led organizations in advancing gender equality and addressing gaps by providing critical services like medical, legal, and psychosocial support. Read More Gender Equality in Armed ForcesSecurity and Justice SectorWPS in Conflict
July 26, 2024
Women’s Inclusion and Barriers to Participation in Armed Forces in Nigeria
This study provides a desk review of existing evidence and research to inform potential ISF support to the Nigerian security sector to enhance women’s participation and inclusion. This review focuses principally on the three services of the Armed Forces in Nigeria (AFN)—the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force. It also includes review of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Police Force. It reviews evidence pertinent to the following questions: Read More Serious Organised Crime
May 10, 2024
Beyond the Binary: Dynamics of Gender, Serious and Organised Crime and Artificial Intelligence
The effect of new artificial intelligence (AI) developments, particularly generative AI, on serious and organised crime (SOC) have been significant over the last few years. Analysed with a gender lens, these effects can be nuanced and complex, ranging from changes in patterns of victimisation to new opportunities and pitfalls in crime prevention. Women’s participation in SOC is changing as well, as AI increases certain vulnerabilities while providing novel mechanisms for criminal participation. As AI governance efforts at all levels of government are increasing, establishing a better knowledge base for these issues can aid in the development of much more appropriate… Read More
