Gender analysis is critical to understanding conflict and developing more effective strategies for building peace and addressing insecurity. IPI therefore works to educate policymakers and practitioners about the importance of gender analysis and examines intersections between gender, peace, and security across various thematic areas. For example, IPI has analyzed the gendered dynamics of reintegration programming to ensure reintegration processes are more sustainable and gender-responsive. IPI also analyzed how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted women’s involvement in peacebuilding efforts and peace processes.

As part of its efforts to sustain progress on gender equality, IPI is building alliances to engage more men and boys in these efforts. IPI has been an active member of the Community of Practice on Mobilizing Men for Feminist Peace, which includes academics, activists, and practitioners from around the world. IPI also seeks to mainstream analysis on masculinities throughout its work. For example, IPI has analyzed how violent extremist and terrorist groups exploit male sentiments of emasculation and appeal to ideas of manhood in their recruitment efforts.