Gender and Early Warning Systems - An Introduction

In line with ODIHR's mandate to assist participating States in implementing their commitments in the human dimension, and in particular in the field of human rights and gender equality, ODIHR is publishing a series of briefs on integrating a gender perspective into early warning systems.

In the development and implementation of early warning systems, policy makers typically give little consideration to the structural or conflict-specific gender-based differences between women and men's situations, perceptions of threats and vulnerabilities, and experiences.

The integration of a gender perspective into early warning systems improves their effectiveness by gathering more specific information and allowing for more detailed analysis, which in turn can ensure more accurate and measurable responses.

In order to increase its effectiveness, the participation of both men and women as informants is essential.

Likewise, the different threats and concerns that impact men and women as a result of any conflict must be taken into account. Inequalities that already exist in society are often strengthened in time of conflict, and this must be borne in mind when analyzing information and data gathered and formulating responses.

This brief provides an introduction to the topic. It reviews how the integration of a gender perspective can help to identify underlying causes of conflict and thus may provide earlier warning of conflict.