Gender-Responsive Approaches to Countering State Threats in Sub-Saharan Africa

This project explores the gendered dynamics and impacts of state threats in Sub-Saharan Africa.




Photo by Zelch Csaba


This project explores the gendered dynamics and impacts of state threats, such as political and social manipulation, illicit finance and more, in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Building on RUSI’s existing research expertise on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and various state threats across Sub-Saharan Africa, this project introduces an intersectional framework for gender analysis, which serves to evaluate the gendered dynamics of state threats throughout the region. Using this framework, the project seeks to identify recommendations for gender-responsive approaches to counter state threats in the Sub-Saharan context.

Project team


Dr Jessica White

Acting Director of Terrorism and Conflict Studies

Terrorism and Conflict

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Michael Jones

Senior Research Fellow

Terrorism and Conflict

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Isabella Vogel

Programme Manager

Terrorism and Conflict

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Matthew Redhead

Senior Associate Fellow; Financial crime consultant and researcher

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Dr Joana de Deus Pereira

Senior Research Fellow

RUSI Europe

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Elijah Glantz

Research Fellow

Organised Crime and Policing

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Claudia Wallner

Research Fellow

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Rose Chelangat

Threat Analyst | RUSI Consultant

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Aims and objectives

This project explores how hostile state actors in Sub-Saharan Africa are co-opting gender as a specific tactic in their offensive aims.

Utilising this evidence, the project aims to provide design recommendations for intersectional, gender-responsive counter measures to sustainably and effectively address these threats in a holistic way.

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