In a collaboration between CEDRR And AEGIS, academics looked at challenging gender norms in war
Exploring gender norms in conflict
The Centre of Excellence in Defence, Risk and Resilience (CEDRR), together with the Advancement of Equality, Gender & Inclusion Studies (AEGIS), recently welcomed academics, students and practitioners for an insightful roundtable seminar exploring how gender shapes experiences of war, military service and conflict.
Moderated by Dr Peter Lee, Professor of Applied Ethics at the University of Portsmouth, the event brought together a diverse panel of experts to examine the evolving roles of women and men in contemporary warfare.
Challenging assumptions about military service and universal conscription
Opening the discussion, Dr Peter Lee reflected on the changing role of women in the British and US armed forces, highlighting ongoing debates around equality and the integration of women across military branches.
He explored how ethical questions surrounding military service continue to challenge traditional assumptions about gender and combat roles.
Dr Paulius Balsys, a visiting military sociologist from Vytautas Magnus University, presented findings from his postdoctoral research on Lithuania's universal conscription system.
His work examined how ideas of masculinity among new recruits have shifted over time, revealing that younger generations increasingly question traditional expectations of sacrifice and military service.
He also compared attitudes across European countries with differing approaches to conscription and national identity.
The in-person seminar featured Dr Paulius Balsys' findings from his postdoctoral research
Dr Dina de Sousa e Santos presenting research on gender norms during the Angolan War
Uncovering women's overlooked stories in conflict
Turning to history, Dr Dina de Sousa e Santos examined the representation of women in Angola's liberation struggle. Drawing on iconic figures such as Queen Nzinga and Deolinda Rodrigues, one of the heroines of Angola's independence movement, she explored how historical portrayals often recognise female freedom fighters while simultaneously softening or feminising their contributions.
Rather than depicting them as the fighters they were, later representations frequently emphasise traditional femininity, obscuring the realities of their revolutionary roles. Building on these historical narratives, she examined how gender norms continue to shape the experiences of landmine survivors today.
The lasting impact of war on communities
The seminar concluded with a presentation by Sixtus Onyekwere, PhD candidate in International Development, who explored the gendered impacts of conflict in Nigeria.
Focusing on post-conflict communities, he highlighted how war reshapes family dynamics and increases violence against women, with women often becoming primary providers while men face the long-term physical, psychological and social consequences of violence.
Continuing the conversation
The event concluded with lively breakout discussions and a question-and-answer session, encouraging participants to reflect on how gender norms continue to influence both historical narratives and contemporary experiences of conflict.
The seminar reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in developing a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between gender, ethics and war.
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