Doing research in conflict settings: Gender mainstreaming and ethics

This report outlines recommendations for conducting research in conflict settings, accounting for different stages of research from inception to dissemination.

Since 2017, Saferworld, International Alert and Conciliation Resources have worked together in the Peace Research Partnership (PRP), a three-year programme funded with UK aid from the UK government. The PRP conducts research in conflict-affected regions on inclusive economic development, peace processes and institutions, and on identifying how gender dynamics can drive conflict or peace.

‘Gender mainstreaming’ – or the infusion of gender analysis into all aspects of research – continues to be a central component of the programme. This report outlines lessons from six case studies and workshop discussions with representatives of consortium research teams, which took place in London in November 2018.

Overall, the lessons and recommendations across the case studies have been grouped into three categories that capture different stages of research, from inception and design to data collection and dissemination:

  1. Composition of research teams.
  2. Engaging with research participants.
  3. Ethics and the purpose of research.

Peace Research Partnership

This report was produced as part of the Peace Research Partnership (PRP), a process of participatory research with partners and communities in conflict-affected areas around the world. The aim of PRP was to generate and share knowledge about how international actors, like INGOs and donors, can best support peaceful and inclusive change in conflict contexts. The research partnership was funded by the UK government. However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.