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Gender and violence

We know that when explosive weapons are used in populated areas over 90% of those killed or injured will be civilians. What is less known is the impact on men and women from such violence. AOAV here examines explosive violence in its different forms, looking especially at its gendered impact on communities

27 Nov 2023
AOAV reviews the first, comprehensive study on servicewomen’s experiences after sexual assault in the British military
This ground-breaking report presents a thorough and empathetic exploration of the challenges faced by servicewomen in the aftermath of sexual assault within the British military, calling for significant institutional reforms.
14 Jun 2022
11 agricultural labourers killed, 34 injured in landmine explosion, Daraa Governorate, Syria
On Saturday 11 June, 11 labourers travelling towards agricultural lands near the village of Deir al-Adas were killed, and 34 were injured, when their pick-up truck ran over a landmine and blew up. Five children and three women are amongst the deceased.
2 Mar 2020
The gendered effects of explosive weapons examined: an AOAV-Chatham House review
This is a summary report from a joint AOAV-Chatham House round-table examining gender and explosive weapons that took place on 26th November 2019.
17 Feb 2020
Health, gender and explosive violence: access to treatment after incidents of explosive violence
This article examines access to treatment and health outcomes for women in areas experiencing high levels of explosive violence.
4 Dec 2019
The gendered impact of suicide bombings in Europe: an analysis
AOAV examines the casualties of armed violence in Europe through a gendered lens.
28 Nov 2019
‘Military Age Males’ in US Drone Strikes
AOAV looks at the role gender plays in US drone strikes.
8 Nov 2019
The gendered effects on employment of explosive weapons. Iraq – a case study
Examining how explosive weapons have impacted women's employment prospects in Iraq.
16 Oct 2019
Gender and mental health in the Syrian conflict
By January 2013, less than two years into the Syrian conflict, there were only three public mental health facilities in Syria remaining. Between late December 2012 and early January 2013, one of these facilities, the Ibn Khaldun Psychiatric Hospital, suffered severe shelling and bombardment.
27 Sep 2019
The differing effects of explosive weapons on boys and girls
Explosive weapons have devastating impacts on the lives of children across the globe. Such effects also impact boys and girls in different ways.
24 Sep 2019
A life out of balance: how the war in Ukraine impacts the gender diversity of internally displaced communities
AOAV visits Sanitorium Svytiegori, a former health retreat which now serves as a home for the internally displaced.
16 Sep 2019
Drone Warfare, Heroism, and Masculinity: Examining the Pilots’ Perspectives
Since the US became the first country to successfully fit Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as ‘drones’, with missiles in 2000, their use has been increasingly widespread. And, as their use has proliferated, so too have questions relating to warfare and notions of heroism and masculinity in conflict, questions that power projected from a distance brings.
10 Sep 2019
Islamic State, Heroism, and Explosive Weapons
ISIS have been responsible for a significant number of incidents and casualties from explosive weapons. Action on Armed Violence’s (AOAV) Explosive Violence Monitor has recorded 1,039 explosive incidents by ISIS between 2019 and 2019, as reported in English language media, resulting in 20,876 civilian casualties.