Gender and security in the Mediterranean

Article is part of a special issue on Euro-Mediterranean relations after September 11.

Article abstract:

This contribution explores security issues in the Mediterranean from a feminist perspective. Feminists have developed a broad and dynamic understanding of security and insecurity. This approach takes 'soft' and 'hard' issues as interconnected on the personal, national and international level. This allows for a comprehensive perspective on the basic human need for security. It is argued that EU policies that stress 'soft' security issues offer more sustainable and at the same time 'realistic' ways of establishing an 'area of peace and stability in the Mediterranean' [Barcelona Declaration, 1995] than those that stress 'hard security issues'. After discussing feminist and developmental perspectives on comprehensive security concepts, the contribution presents some important indicators of 'Gendered Human Security' in EMP countries. It argues that it is important to address the huge gaps in gendered human security in order to strengthen the civil and security dimension of the EMP. The contribution finally explores the possible positive effects of women's' participation in the armed forces. Will these processes change militarised security cultures and help create a more comprehensive security approach?