d how the different forms of violence are gendered, This gives us an important insight into our work for peace and justice.
One example of this is the way we use technology. The idea of “being in control” (of one's life, of the world) is closely related to certain masculinities, and contributes to the belief not only that technology can be controlled (such as nuclear power, or genetically modified organisms), but also that technology can solve almost all problems. At the same time, technology itself and the consequences of the use of technology have a very different impact on our lives, depending on our gender.
Creating peace is about building a society where all of us can feel safe and a sense of affinity, and so peace is intimately connected with struggling against power structures and norms that limit, marginalise and oppress us. Although patriarchy and other power structures set limits for all of us, it is important to recognise how these structures values some lives and bodies more than other and oppress us in different ways.
For movements working to end violence it is crucial to understand the full spectrum of violence in our societies; the different forms it takes and how it targets and affects us in different ways depending on our positions. Working with gender awareness to change both ourselves, and the (power) dynamics within our organisations is an important personal and organisational transformation that in itself acts to diminish structural violence in our societies.
Gender awareness in a nonviolent campaign
Struggling for a world without violence, nonviolence includes sharing power and responsibilities and giving everyone the possibility to be involved on an equal basis. The success of any movement depends on its ability to involve people in many different ways of struggle and to make everyone's contribution equally valid and essential to the kind of society we wish to create.
Incorporating gender awareness in a campaign can mean many things. The following questions can be used by organisers to think about, as well as for a whole group to reflect on together.
Analysis of the campaign issue
When seen through a gender lens, how are people effected differently by your campaign issue?
What voices are listened to when gathering information about the issue?
In what ways is your campaign issue reinforced by, and reproducing, ideas about gender?
How are the different realities and needs of those most impacted by your campaign issue being addressed and included in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the campaign/action?
The campaign’s face to society
What are the norms in your society/surroundings and how do they affect and reflect upon your work? For example, what images and words do you use in outreaching material?
When representing the campaign/action in media or at public events – how do you make sure there is space for those most often ignored/silenced to speak?
What examples and scenarios do you use in workshops, presentations and at public actions? How can you question these norms (instead of reinforcing them)?
Which public do you aim to mobilize with the campaign/action? How do you ensure the participation of marginalized groups?
Internal processes / Organizational structure
How do you ensure organizational structures that allow everyone's voice to be heard equally? For example, does everyone have equal access to and influence in decision making processes? How do you communicate in between actions and meeting and make sure information reaches everyone concerned?
How is access and use of resources - such as knowledge or finances - decided?
When and where do you have meetings? How do you make sure meetings are accessible for everyone who wants to take part? For example, does it have toilets that are non-gendered and wheelchair accessible? Is the location itself aswell as the route to get there safe and in a reachable distance?
How inclusive is the language that is being used? How do you make sure that nobody makes assumptions of someone else's gender identity?
How do you divide tasks and roles? A