Women and Inequality in a Changing World: Exploring New Paradigms for Peace Read Along
In the next chapter of the Edited Volume, “What Blocks Equality for Women?: Recollections from a Feminist Life” by Galia Golan, the author draws upon extensive research and personal experiences to highlight the transformative impact of women's participation in peace negotiations and conflict resolution. Golan reflects on her journey as a peace activist, acknowledging the barriers she encountered in navigating political spaces. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes the importance of feminist perspectives in challenging gender asymmetries and advocating for inclusive peace processes.
At the core of the issue, she identifies patriarchy as the driving force behind gender inequalities. Patriarchy isn't merely about animosity towards women; rather, it stems from the historical design of societies and institutions to cater to men's needs and preferences.
https://www.routledge.com/Women-and-Inequality-in-a-Changing-World-Exploring-New-Paradigms-for-Peace/Mahmoudi-Parpart-Seaman/p/book/9781032250649
Golan asserts that feminism provides a powerful tool for promoting gender equality in peacebuilding processes. By bringing awareness to power imbalances and marginalized perspectives, feminism can pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable paths toward peace.
The chapter further explores the intersection of gender dynamics and militarization, particularly in Israeli society, where the influx of religious groups into the military has reinforced patriarchal structures and militaristic policies. Golan emphasizes the need to address these gender disparities and challenges through a feminist lens, which offers a critical framework for understanding power dynamics and advocating for gender equality in peacebuilding efforts.
One particular area where women's involvement is crucial is in peacebuilding processes. Golan emphasizes the transformative impact of women's participation in peace negotiations, citing research that links higher levels of gender equality with lower rates of violence and longer-lasting peace agreements. Research on gender and negotiation highlights various gender differences in negotiation styles and perceptions of power. While women may exhibit different negotiation styles influenced by societal expectations, the effectiveness of women in negotiations is not solely determined by their gender but also by factors such as situational power dynamics.
Through her feminist activism, Golan emphasizes the importance of a gendered perspective in analyzing power dynamics and social relationships to advocate for meaningful change and challenge existing norms. Overall, the chapter highlights the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the necessity of collective action to dismantle barriers to gender equality.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
