Whose security counts? Gender norms, ethnic marginalization and conflict prevention in Southeast Asia

Cross-border and non-traditional peace and security issues affect state stability, human security and social cohesion in Southeast Asia. However, experiences of insecurity and state security responses are shaped by gender and ethnic inequalities. The Women, Peace and Security agenda has highlighted how gender and ethnicity norms often constrain the protection and participation of women and minority groups in governance structures. In this paper, we ask whether and how these norms impact people’s capacity to prevent and/or respond to insecurities in the Southeast Asian region? We studied this question in Cambodia and Laos where communities confront insecurity and conflict arising from land dispossession, climate change, drug use, forced migration and gender-based violence. Utilizing a mixed-method research design, we surveyed 2091 respondents and conducted more than 84 key informant interviews across four provinces in the two countries. Our analysis reveals how unequal gender and ethnicity norms are reinforced within communities and institutions, undermining effective conflict prevention and security responses. This gender-sensitive evidence on perceptions of insecurity and the gender confidence gap in security responses should inform efforts to strengthen peace and security efforts.