Skip to main content

Gender and Politics in Northern Ireland and Kosovo

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Inclusion in Post-Conflict Legislatures
  • 212 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter explores the dimensions of gender and politics in Kosovo and Northern Ireland. The dynamics of the two conflicts and their transitions are explored in the context of how they impact on women’s empowerment, particularly in the political sphere. The concept of ‘gender’ as an analytical category is discussed and the literature of women and conflict explored. The roles of women and men in the conflicts of Northern Ireland and Kosovo are then analysed, highlighting differences and similarities, for example, the more overt use of sexual violence in Kosovo and the presence of women combatants in Northern Ireland. The gendered nature of the transition from conflict and post-conflict representation is then discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    This number, an estimate from a 2000 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO 2000), remains the figure currently quoted in official sources and in political debates.

  2. 2.

    The number of Northern Ireland government departments has since reduced from twelve to nine.

References

  • Antić, M., & Lokar, S. (2006). The Balkans: From Total Rejection to Gradual Acceptance of Gender Quotas. In D. Dahlerup (Ed.), Women, Quotas and Politics (pp. 138–167). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashe, F. (2009). Iris Robinson’s Excitable Speech: Sexuality and Conflict Transformation in Northern Ireland. Politics, 29(1), 20–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Assembly and Executive Review Committee. (2015). Report on Women in Politics and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Belfast: Northern Ireland Assembly.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, J., & Haug, H. (2002). The Kosovo Women’s Initiative: An Independent Evaluation. Geneva: UNHCR.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barakat, S., & Őzerdem, A. (2005). Reintegration of Combatants: With Specific Reference to Kosovo. In S. Barakat (Ed.), After the Conflict: Reconstruction and Development in the Aftermath of War (pp. 229–248). London: I.B. Tauris.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beasley, C. (2005). Gender and Sexuality: Critical Theories, Critical Thinkers. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bell, C. (1998). Women, Equality and Political Participation. In J. Anderson & J. Goodman (Eds.), Dis/Agreeing Ireland: Contexts, Obstacles, Hopes (pp. 211–231). Pluto: London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bracewell, W. (2000). Rape in Kosovo: Masculinity and Serbian Nationalism. Nations and Nationalism, 6(4), 563–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caprioli, M., & Boyer, M. (2001). Gender, Violence and International Crisis. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 45(4), 503–518.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaney, P. (2006). Critical Mass Deliberation and the Substantive Representation of Women: Evidence from the UK’s Devolution Programme. Political Studies, 54(4), 691–714.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Childs, S., & Krook, M. (2008). Critical Mass Theory and Women’s Political Participation. Political Studies, 56, 725–736.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Connolly, E. (2013). Parliaments as Gendered Institutions: The Irish Oireachtas. Irish Political Studies, 28(3), 360–379.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coole, D. (1993). Women in Political Theory: From Ancient Misogyny to Contemporary Feminism. New York: Harvester Wheatsheaf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter, C. (1998). Feminism and Nationalism in Ireland. In D. Miller (Ed.), Rethinking Northern Ireland: Culture, Ideology and Colonialism (pp. 160–178). London: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlerup, D. (2001). Women in Political Decision Making: From Critical Mass to Critical Acts in Scandinavia. In I. Skjelsbaek & D. Smith (Eds.), Gender, Peace and Conflict (pp. 104–121). Oslo: International Peace Research Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlerup, D., & Freidenvall, L. (2005). Quotas as a ‘Fast Track’ to Equal Representation of Women: Why Scandinavia Is No Longer the Model. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 7(1), 26–48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlerup, D., & Freidenvall, L. (2009). Gender Quotas in Politics: A Constitutional Challenge. In S. Williams (Ed.), Constituting Equality: Gender Equality and Comparative Constitutional Law (pp. 29–52). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, L., & Gordon, L. (1979). The Sociology of Gender. Chicago: Rand McNally.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deiana, M.-A. (2013a). Citizenship as (Not) Belonging? Contesting the Replication of Gendered and Ethnicised Exclusions in Post-Dayton Bosnia-Herzegovina. In S. Roseneil (Ed.), Beyond Citizenship? Feminism and the Transformation of Belonging (pp. 184–210). Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Deiana, M.-A. (2013b). Women’s Citizenship in Northern Ireland After the 1998 Agreement. Irish Political Studies, 28(3), 399–412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz, M. (2005). Representing Women? Female Legislators in Western European Parliaments. Colchester: European Consortium for Political Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doçi, N. (2011). Krimi dhe Përdhunimi Serb Kundër Femrës Shqiptare në Kosovë 1997–1999. Prishtina: Autorja.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drakulić, S. (1993). Women and the New Democracy in the Former Yugoslavia. In N. Funk & M. Mueller (Eds.), Gender, Politics and Post Communism (pp. 123–130). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drumm, R., Pittman, S., & Perry, S. (2001). Women of War: Emotional Needs of Ethnic Albanians in Refugee Camps. Affilia, 16, 467–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edge, S. (1998). ‘Representing Gender and National Identity’ Ireland. In D. Miller (Ed.), Rethinking Northern Ireland: Culture, Ideology and Colonialism (pp. 211–227). London: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fearon, K. (1999). Women’s Work: The Story of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition. Belfast: Balckstaff.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fearon, K. (2000). Whatever Happened to the Women? Gender and Peace in Northern Ireland. In M. Cox, A. Guelke, & F. Stephen (Eds.), A Farewell to Arms? From ‘Long War’ to Long Peace in Northern Ireland (pp. 153–166). Manchester: Manchester University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjolla, R. (2013). Kosovo. In G. Odanović & S. Gajić (Eds.), Women, Peace and Security in the Western Balkans: Independent Review of Translation of UNSCR 1325 into Policy in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia and Serbia (pp. 74–88). Belgrade: Centre for Security Policy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galligan, Y. (2013). Gender and Politics in Northern Ireland. Irish Political Studies, 28(3), 413–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gierycz, D. (2001). Women, Peace and the UN: Beyond Beijing. In I. Skjelsbaek & D. Smith (Eds.), Gender, Peace and Conflict (pp. 14–31). Oslo: International Peace Research Institute.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gilmartin, N. (2015). Negotiating New Roles: Irish Republican Women and the Politics of Conflict Transformation. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 17(1), 58–76.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gjinovci, R. (2014). Report on Law: Monitoring of Law No 4/L-054. Prishtina: CRDP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, B., & McAllister, I. (2012). Gender and Consociational Power-Sharing in Northern Ireland. International Political Science Review, 34(2), 123–139.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinds, B., & Donnelly, D. (2014). Women, Peace and Security: Women’s Rights and Gender Equality—Developing and Applying Women, Peace and Security Practice in Northern Ireland. Belfast: CFNI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunt, A., & Underraga, R. (2009). From Rhetoric to Reality: A Critical Analysis of the National Action Plan for the Achievement of Gender Equality in Kosovo. Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism, 9(1), 49–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kalungu-Banda, A. (2004). Post-Conflict Programmes for Women: Lessons from the Kosovo Women’s Initiative. Gender and Development, 13(3), 31–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kanter, R. (1977). Some Effects of Proportions on Group Life: Skewed Sex Ratios and Responses to Token Women. American Journal of Sociology, 82(5), 965–990.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, G. (1997). Feminism and Nationalism: The European Case. In L. West (Ed.), Feminism and Nationalism (pp. 3–40). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Karam, A. (2001). Women in War and Peacebuilding. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 3(1), 2–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knox, C. (2011b). Peace Building in Northern Ireland: A Role for Civil Society. Social Policy and Society, 10(1), 13–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kosova Women’s Network. (2011). 1325: Facts and Fables. Prishtina: KWN.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kosovar Centre for Gender Studies. (2013). How do Women Vote II. Prishtina: KCGS.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krook, M., & Norris, P. (2014). Beyond Quotas: Strategies to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Office. Political Studies, 62, 2–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krook, M., & O’Brien, D. (2012). All the President’s Men? The Appointment of Female Cabinet Ministers Worldwide. Journal of Politics, 74(3), 840–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lovenduski, J. (2005). Feminising Politics. Cambridge: Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews, N. (2012). Gendered Candidate Selection and the Representation of Women in Northern Ireland. Parliamentary Affairs, 67(3), 617–646.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McLaughlin, H. (2008). Women and the Conflict: Talking About the ‘Troubles’ and Planning for the Future. Belfast: WRDA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mead, M. (1949). Male and Female: A Study of the Sexes in a Changing World. London: Victor Gollancz.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moser, C., & Clark, F. (2001). Victims, Perpetrators of Actors? Gender, Armed Conflict and Political Violence. London: Zed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moser, C., & McIlwaine, C. (2001). Gender and Social Capital in Contexts of Political Violence. In C. Moser & F. Clark (Eds.), Victims, Perpetrators or Actors? Gender, Armed Conflict and Political Violence. London: Zed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulholland, M. (2001). The Challenge of Inequality: Women, Discrimination and Decision-Making in Northern Ireland. In C. Moser & F. Clark (Eds.), Victims, Perpetrators of Actors? Gender, Armed Conflict and Political Violence (pp. 164–177). London: Zed.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murtagh, C. (2008). A Transient Transition: The Cultural and Institutional Obstacles Impeding the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition in Its Progression from Informal to Formal Politics. Irish Political Studies, 23(1), 21–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey. (2002). Women in Politics Module. ARK. Accessed online 19 January 2015 http://www.ark.ac.uk/nilt/2002/Women_in_Politics/WOMPARL.html.

  • Oakley, A. (1975). Sex, Gender and Society. London: Temple Smith.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Connell, H. (1993). Women and Conflict. Oxford: Oxfam.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister. (2012). Review of Government Funding for Women’s Groups and Organisations. Belfast: OFMdFM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pankhurst, D. (2008). The Gendered Impact of Peace. In M. Pugh, N. Cooper, & M. Tunaev (Eds.), Whose Peace? Critical Perspectives on the Political Economy of Peacebuilding (pp. 30–46). Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Pateman, C. (1989). The Disorder of Women: Democracy, Feminism and Political Theory. Cambridge: Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potter, M. (2004). In Their Own Words: A Research Report on the Victims Sector in Northern Ireland. Belfast: Training for Women Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potter, M. (2008). Women, Civil Society and Peacebuilding in Northern Ireland: Paths to Peace Through Women’s Empowerment. In C. Farrington (Ed.), Global Change, Civil Society and the Northern Ireland Peace Process (pp. 142–158). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Potter, M. (2014). Loyalism, Women and Standpoint Theory. Irish Political Studies, 29(2), 258–274.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potter, M., & Abernethy, H. (2012). What About the Women? Transitional Justice and Gender in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland. In O. Simic & Z. Volcic (Eds.), Civil Society and Transitional Justice in the Balkans (pp. 163–180). New York: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Racioppi, L., & O’Sullivan See, K. (2006). Engendering Democratic Transition from Conflict: Women’s Inclusion in Northern Ireland’s Peace Process. Comparative Politics, 38(2), 189–208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reardon, B. (1993). Women and Peace: Feminist Visions of Global Security. Albany: State University of New York Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rehn, E., & Sirleaf, E. (2002). Women, War and Peace: The Independent Experts’ Assessment on the Impact of Armed Conflict on Women and Women’s Role in Peacebuilding. New York: UNIFEM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodgers, J. (2001). Bosnia and Kosovo: Interpreting the Gender Dimensions of International Intervention. Contemporary Security Policy, 22(3), 183–195.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roulston, C. (2005). Equal Opportunities for Women. In A. Aughey & D. Morrow (Eds.), Northern Ireland Politics (pp. 139–146). London: Longman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruddick, S. (1990). Maternal Thinking: Towards a Politics of Peace. London: Women’s Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sales, R. (1998). Women the Peace Makers? In J. Anderson & J. Goodman (Eds.), Dis/Agreeing Ireland: Contexts, Obstacles, Hopes (pp. 141–161). London: Pluto.

    Google Scholar 

  • Side, K. (2009). Women’s Civil and Political Citizenship in the Post‐Good Friday Agreement Period in Northern Ireland. Irish Political Studies, 24(1), 67–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Skjelsbaek, I. (2001). Is Femininity Inherently Peaceful? The Construction of Femininity in War. In I. Skjelsbaek & D. Smith (Eds.), Gender, Peace and Conflict (pp. 47–67). Oslo: International Peace Research Institute.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Spahić-Šiljak, Z. (2012). Contesting Female, Feminist and Muslim Identities: Post-Socialist Contexts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Sarajevo: Center for Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Studies.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stapleton, K., & Wilson, J. (2014). Conflicting Categories? Women, Conflict and Identity in Northern Ireland. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 37(11), 2071–2091.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swaine, A. (2015). Beyond Strategic Rape and Between the Public and Private: Violence Against Women in Armed Conflict. Human Rights Quarterly, 37(3), 755–786.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tahiri, M. (2012, April). Woman Side of Trauma, Interview with Veprore Shehu. Made in KS, No. 9, 9–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turpin, J. (1998). Many Faces: Women Confronting War. In L. Lorentzen & J. Turpin (Eds.), The Women and War Reader (pp. 3–18). New York: New York University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, M. (1983). Unmanageable Revolutionaries: Women and Irish Nationalism. London: Pluto.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ward, R. (1997). The Northern Ireland Peace Process: A Gender Issue? In C. Gilligan & J. Tonge (Eds.), Peace or War? Understanding the Peace Process in Northern Ireland (pp. 150–162). Aldershot: Ashgate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams, S. (2009). Equality, Representation and Challenge to Hierarchy: Justifying Electoral Quotas for Women. In S. Williams (Ed.), Constituting Equality: Gender Equality and Comparative Constitutional Law (pp. 53–72). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organisation. (2000). Serbia: Kosovo Health Sector Situation Report Jan 2000. Prishtina: WHO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuval-Davis, N. (1997). Gender and Nation. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuval-Davis, N. (1998). Gender and Nation. In R. Wilford & R. Miller (Eds.), Women, Ethnicity and Nationalism: The Politics of Transition. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Žarkov, D. (2007). The Body of War: Media, Ethnicity and Gender in the Break-Up of Yugoslavia. Durham: Duke University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zotto, A. (2002). Weeping Women, Wringing Hands: How the Mainstream Media Stereotyped Women’s Experiences in Kosovo. Journal of Gender Studies, 11(2), 141–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Potter .

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2020 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Potter, M. (2020). Gender and Politics in Northern Ireland and Kosovo. In: Inclusion in Post-Conflict Legislatures. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-25536-7_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics