Civilian to civilian protection: Exploring women’s unarmed protection strategies in conflict affected contexts - the case of Ethiopia

Project overview

This pilot research project investigates women’s unarmed community protection strategies in conflict-affected contexts, with a focus on Ethiopia. Civilian protection (PoC) has traditionally relied on militarised interventions; however, the emerging concept of unarmed civilian protection (UCP) shifts focus to nonviolent, community-led strategies, emphasising local agency. Despite growing interest in UCP, the specific role of women in these initiatives remains under-explored especially in Ethiopia. This study addresses that gap by examining the grassroots, nonviolent methods women employ to protect themselves and others during violence and armed conflict. Drawing on feminist security studies and nonviolence theory, the research will generate new empirical insights into women’s protective agency. The findings will advance theoretical understanding through feminist security and non-violence theory, and inform policies, such as the UN Women, Peace & Security Agenda and the UN policy on Civilian Centred approach to Protection of Civilians (PoC) on gendered approaches to UCP.

Project objectives

The objectives of the research are as follows:

• explore the range of unarmed civilian protection strategies, including indigenous approaches, adopted by women in the conflict-affected communities through the lens of feminist security and non-violence theory;
• analyse factors which influence their relative success and their accompanied challenges;
• identify and understand ways best practices can be strengthened and scaled up through partnerships with local, national and international actors, and integrated into policy frameworks such as Women Peace and Security agenda (UNSCR 1325).

Impact statement

The project will advance theoretical understanding through feminist security and non-violence theory; empower voices and efforts of women in UCP in Ethiopia; and inform policies, such as the UN Women, Peace & Security Agenda and the UN policy on Civilian Centred approach to Protection of Civilians (PoC) on gendered approaches to UCP.

Outputs

1. One peer-reviewed journal article in high-ranking journals such as the International Journal of Feminist Politics, or African Affairs.

2. One conference paper targeted to the British International Studies Association (BISA) Conference.

3. A two-page policy brief document on the research findings and recommendations.

4. A one-day online workshop to share findings with stakeholders in Ethiopia and UK.

5. One recorded episode of women and UCP in Ethiopia on Centre for Peace & Security’s “Generation Peace” podcast.

6. A non-academic thought piece in the Conversation/Transcend Media/PeaceNews.