Rethinking Peace-building: women, revolution, exile and conflict resolution in Yemen

This project proposes an analysis of the role of Yemeni female activists and refugees in conflict resolution and peace-building.

The research objectives are: 1) to explore Yemeni female refugees’ and activists’ efforts and actions in conflict management and peace-building between 2015-2021 to rethink women’s role in peace processes; 2) to document their experiences to understand how the post-revolutionary violence and conflict situation in the country affected and re-shaped their political participation, and how Yemeni women resisted their marginalization and dealt with their disadvantaged position in and outside the country; 3) to contribute to the conceptual development of women and revolution theory by articulating an intricate interplay of revolution, forced migration, conflict and peace-building; 4) to analyse possible contributions from Yemeni female activists and refugees with the objective to identify practical ways to develop peace-building and conflict prevention strategies; 5) to link research findings to relevant policy makers and put forward gender-sensitive policy recommendations on the Yemeni peace-building.

The methodology is based on a literature review and empirical research associated with anthropology, political science, migration, gender and peace studies. Ethnographic fieldwork will be carried out with Yemeni activists and refugees in the Netherlands, Germany and Jordan.

The results will be put in a broader perspective which links warfare and state formation with the previous research on women and revolution in Yemen.

It will be the first full-length and multi-site study of women, revolution, forced migration and peace-building in Yemen and beyond.

The project will make a significative contribution not only to theory but also to practice and policy development on women, conflict and peace-building.

Moreover, the experience gained from the host and secondment institution will enable the fellow to achieve the academic position of high quality.