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The LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security (WPS) will lead a new coalition of research institutions addressing gendered injustice and insecurity around the world, it was announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) today.
Receiving £15.2m over five years through the UK Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), The UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub will work extensively with civil society groups, practitioners, governments and international organisations to advance gender justice and inclusive peace in developing nations.
Conflict and gender-based violence have devastating, long-term consequences on individuals, families and communities. They also severely hamper the successful delivery of development goals internationally.
The LSE-led Hub seeks to advance sustainable peace by developing an evidence-base around gender, justice and inclusive security in conflict-affected societies. With 44 partners across 17 countries, it will expand research capacity and interdisciplinary research. The Hub will also connect with leading ambassadors for gender justice to turn research insights into ongoing actions that will improve lives.
The Gender, Justice and Security Hub is one of 12 new global research Hubs funded by UKRI. These Hubs will work with partners to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, developing creative and sustainable solutions which help make the world safer, healthier and more prosperous. Challenges include improving human health, promoting gender equality and social justice and fostering greater resilience to natural disasters in developing countries.
Professor Christine Chinkin, Founding Director of the LSE Centre for Women, Peace and Security, is the Principal Investigator for the Gender, Justice and Security Hub. Commenting on the announcement, Professor Chinkin said,
“The Hub provides an amazing opportunity to work with our partners overseas to explore, through research and exchanges, the potential of the Women, Peace and Security agenda to help deliver on the global challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Dr Josephine Ahikire of Makerere University, Uganda - one of the partner institutes - added,
“It gives me great pleasure to know that I will make a contribution to the UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub. This platform will enable me to bring narratives and perspectives from Uganda to be part of this global conversation on gender equality, justice and security.”