To challenge stereotypical representations, this report draws on primary interview data to explore the views of Afghan male allies who are working for gender equality and feminist peace in the country. The report discusses the allies’ perspectives on gender relations and their commitment towards feminist peace and offers an analysis of the current situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime and its implications for male allies and their work.

This report shares findings from International Alert’s research in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Nigeria, and the Philippines, which found that peacebuilding was compromised by restrictive patriarchal understandings of gender roles. Each of these countries has developed national action plans on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, yet each has struggled to promote meaningful and sustainable gender equality due to lack of programming that transforms discriminatory gender norms.

This study explores how programs and policies to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls (VAWG) have been integrated and addressed within post-conflict state-building policy and programming, and how, in conflict-affected countries, VAWG is related to efforts to achieve peace and stability.