Women and Disarmament
Many claim that the rise of women in power positions can lead to a reduction of violence. Does this argument stem from the traditional role associated with women? Historically, a few female leaders were unorthodox and contradicted traditional gender norms through their ruthless and cruel style of leadership. Oeindrila Dube, a professor at the University of Chicago, explains that between 1480 and 1913, female monarchs (which only consisted of 18% of all monarchs) tended to engage in wars 27% more than male rulers [1]. However, Dube argues, that often these women participate in conflicts because they are viewed as inferior, vulnerable, and unfit merely because of their gender.
Powerful women in leadership positions have been questioned and doubted for years. They are perceived as impotent, incompetent and incapable to lead a nation. This has lead to, for example, the replacement of a female ruler in Ecuador and Madagascar by a man after serving the country for only a couple of days [2]. Female leaders need to work harder than men to gain popular trust and approval and to prove their strength and their worthiness. Josie Glausiusz, a science journalist, claims that “no matter whether women are fighting for peace or for war, they must also battle against the assumption that they themselves are passive, weak or peculiar” [3].
Nevertheless, their engagement and participation in politics is crucial. Stephen Pinker emphasizes that “women have been, and will be, the pacifying force” [4]. In the case of gun violence, women have been bigger advocates for stricter gun control. A 2019 study conducted by Quinnipiac University showed that 69% of American women have demanded better gun regulations compared to 47% of American men [5]. There are multiple factors that can explain this difference. First of all, there are more male gun owners than female gun owners; as men own guns twice as much as women do [6]. Secondly, women are disproportionately affected by firearm brutality. For instance, gun ownership has strongly increased chances of domestic and sexual violence. As stated by Everytown for Gun Safety, 50 American women per month are shot by their significant other [7].
The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has proven that women in power can reduce gun violence. Following the Christchurch massacre, she promised to ensure safety in New Zealand, and a month later, automatic and semiautomatic guns were banned [8]. Ardern acted with no hesitation, lending her voice to a vulnerable minority group: “We are ultimately here because 50 people died, and they do not have a voice” [9]. She received worldwide praise for her immediate actions and for her empathy and compassion. She was described as sensitive and showing genuine kindness, traits traditionally associated with females [10]. These so-called feminine characteristics have been challenged for years, and “have been used against women seeking leadership positions” [11]. Nonetheless, the prime minister’s gender perspective and traits were key factors that enabled better gun control and disarmament.
The New York Times’ wrote that “America Deserves a Leader as Good as Jacinda Ardern” [12]. Not only did she change the gun laws for the better, but she also stood by the Muslim community and denounced racism. She has set a strong example that other countries need to follow, especially the United States, which experienced 122 mass shootings so far in 2019 [13]. The gun laws in the country have yet to change, and Ardern argues that she does “not understand” the lack of action taken against the proliferation of gun violence [14]. As Ardern has demonstrated, a gender perspective is crucial for social and policy changes. Therefore, women need to be included in decision making and have a visible and recognized role in arms control and disarmament on a local, regional and international lens. Moreover, a gendered language regarding arms treaties must be institutionalized to ensure the incorporation of a gender lens.
Although women are encouraged to embody masculine traits during their ruling, and be more assertive instead of compassionate, New Zealand’s prime minister has demonstrated that an empathetic leader can be strong and essential. Women’s perspective are needed in decision making, and unlike rulers of the past, Ardern won the heart of her country and the world by embracing her femininity and her sensitivity. In her article focusing on the significance of women leaders, Nicole Karlis, a writer for Salon, emphasizes that “there are signs of strength and success that don’t fall within traditional masculine norms” [15]. Therefore, females in power are crucial for disarmament and sustainable peace. Through her and other women’s ruling, SDG 5, which promotes gender equality, and SDG 16.4, which combats the illegal trafficking of weapons, can be achieved by 2030. To learn more, visit IANSA’s page https://www.iansa.org, an aggregation of organizations that fight for the elimination of small arms and light weapons, and engage in their yearly disarmament campaigns, such as The Gun-Free Valentine’s, which targets gender-based violence.
References
[1] Glausiusz, Josie. “Would the World Be More Peaceful If There Were More Women Leaders? — Josie Glausiusz | Aeon Ideas.” Aeon, 27 October 2017, https://aeon.co/ideas/would-the-world-be-more-peaceful-if-there-were-more-women-leaders
[2] Idem
[3] Howard, Krissy. “Behind The Mirror: The True Story Of Bloody Mary.” All That’s Interesting, All That’s Interesting, 30 Jan. 2019, https://allthatsinteresting.com/bloody-mary
[4] Idem
[5] Delkic, Melina. “Women Want Gun Control More than Men, a New Poll Shows.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2017, www.newsweek.com/women-want-gun-control-more-men-753999
[6] Idem
[7] Idem
[8] Law, Tara. “New Zealand Prime Minister Does ‘Not Understand’ U.S. Gun Laws.” Time, Time, 14 May 2019, https://time.com/5589301/jacinda-ardern-gun-control-united-states-christchurch/
[9] Faidell, Sarah, and Bex Wright. “New Zealand’s Parliament Votes 119–1 to Change Gun Laws after Massacre.” CNN, Cable News Network, 10 Apr. 2019, www.cnn.com/2019/04/10/asia/new-zealand-gun-law-reform-intl/index.html
[10] Karlis, Nicole. “New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Power of ‘Feminine’ Leadership.” Salon, Salon.com, 25 Mar. 2019, www.salon.com/2019/03/25/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-and-the-power-of-feminine-leadership/.
[11] Idem
[12] Idem
[13] Law, Tara. “New Zealand Prime Minister Does ‘Not Understand’ U.S. Gun Laws.” Time, Time, 14 May 2019, https://time.com/5589301/jacinda-ardern-gun-control-united-states-christchurch/
[14] Idem
[15] Karlis, Nicole. “New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the Power of ‘Feminine’ Leadership.” Salon, Salon.com, 25 Mar. 2019, www.salon.com/2019/03/25/new-zealand-prime-minister-jacinda-ardern-and-the-power-of-feminine-leadership/.
