The term “gender” is defined as “the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women,” by the World Health Organization. While the historical framework of international law is male-oriented, recent strides have been made towards an international legal framework that is gender-neutral as opposed to gender-aware. This discussion will consider the following questions: What sort of difference does gender have on how international law is crafted and practiced? Should gender play a primary role in international law when addressing certain issues, or should a gender-neutral approach apply regardless of the subject matter? What role should international law play in defining appropriate behaviors for men and women?
SPEAKERS:
- Sarah Craven, Chief, Washington Office, UN Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Kathleen Kuehnast, Director, Gender and Peacebuilding Center, U.S. Institute of Peace
- Wade Channell, Senior Economic Growth Advisor, Office of Gender and Women's Empowerment, USAID
MODERATOR:
Susana SáCouto, Director, War Crimes Research Office, ASIL Academic Partner American University Washington College of Law