Women in Conflict: The Relationship between Female Participation in Non-State Armed Groups and Sexual Violence

Sammanfattning: Previous research has laid out different answers and explanations to why there is variation in female participation and sexual violence respectively. However, less attention has been attributed to investigate the relationship between female participation and sexual violence. In fact, the causal processes between these variables remains under-theorized and unclear. The aim of this study is to contribute theoretically by examining under what conditions NSAGs with female participation engage in sexual violence. Moreover, a novel classification of different types of female participation is introduced. This study argues that NSAGs with subordinate female participation are more likely to engage in sexual violence, compared to NSAGs with strategic female participation. Using a structured focused comparison method in a most-similar case study design, the suggested hypotheses are tested on two cases, UNITA and the EPLF. The results of the study find support for the theorized relationship. According to the findings of this study, I argue that the investigation of women’s roles and gender norms and hierarchies should be particularly considered when studying female participation in NSAGs and sexual violence in armed conflicts. Yet, data limitations and availability call for caution. Lastly, this study points to the need for greater attention and collection of data on female participation in armed organizations. Furthermore, the need for specified and disaggregated data as well as concepts beyond the non-combatant and combatant dichotomy is needed in order to further assess the relationship between female participation and sexual violence, as well as to tailor appropriate policies for its prevention.