The gendered dimension of violence and the role played by masculinities during the Second Congo War

Abstract

The paper examines the gendered dimension of violence in violent conflicts. It examines the theoretical position that violence in conflict is more likely to affect women more than men. This argument is emphasised by examining previous conflict contexts around Africa but primarily referring to Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The paper underscores the role played by masculinity in spearheading violence towards women during and after conflict. However, the paper also discusses how men are victims of violence in conflict, albeit at a lower rate than women.