The International Crisis Group (ICG) this week highlighted over three decades of research examining the intersection of gender and conflict, releasing an updated overview of its publications on the topic. The analysis, originally published in March 2025 and updated on March 7, 2026, underscores the evolving understanding of how conflict differentially impacts individuals based on gender, and how gender dynamics contribute to both the outbreak and resolution of hostilities.
The ICG’s function, spanning from a 2003 study on women and reconstruction in Afghanistan to current analyses across the globe, demonstrates a shift in focus from viewing women solely as victims of conflict to recognizing their multifaceted roles as actors, negotiators, and drivers of peace. The organization’s research now encompasses the specific ways conflict affects different genders, the gender-linked motivations for participation in armed groups, and the importance of gender considerations in peacemaking processes.
Recent reports from the ICG detail specific regional challenges. In Colombia, the organization has documented how armed groups exploit prejudice against LGBTQI+ individuals, leveraging discrimination to recruit and control populations. In Ukraine, the ICG has examined how women are navigating the challenges of war, taking on new roles and responsibilities amidst ongoing violence. The organization also points to the escalating crisis in Ecuador, where organized crime is destabilizing the country, and the ongoing conflict between Türkiye and the PKK, offering visual explainers to clarify the complexities of each situation.
Comfort Ero, a leading expert on conflict and security, recently shared her top picks for critical research on gender and conflict, further emphasizing the importance of integrating gender analysis into conflict prevention and resolution strategies. The ICG’s interactive map allows users to explore its extensive coverage by country, highlighting publications focused on gender dynamics in conflict zones worldwide.
The ICG’s research also addresses conflicts in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Central Asia, Latin America & Caribbean, and the Middle East & North Africa, demonstrating the global relevance of gender considerations in understanding and addressing conflict. The organization continues to analyze these dynamics as part of its broader effort to identify conflict drivers and recommend pathways to durable peace.
