The integration of gender specific indicators into early warning systems is crucial for sustaining an effective approach to estimating conflict potential. Conflict affects women and men differently and although these effects vary widely across cultures depending upon the role of women in a particular society, it is clear that armed conflict exacerbates inequalities (Gardam & Charlesworth 2000). The purpose of this paper is to propose measurable indicators sensitive to the experiences of women and enhance early warning capacity to account for these gendered elements of conflict. This task will be accomplished by the deconstruction of existing indicators and by the addition of indicators reflecting women’s unique life experiences.
Conflict Prevention, Gender and Early Warning: A Work in Progress