Untold Stories Gender-sensitive readings of the Syrian Uprising

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Omar Imady
Joanne Hopkins
Nusaiba Joan Imady

Abstract

In this new issue of Syria Studies, entitled “Untold Stories – Gender-sensitive readings of the Syrian Uprising,” we are pleased to share two samples of a new and promising approach to analysing and interpreting the narrative of war. It is an approach that is not only preoccupied with the human dimension of political conflict, but also one that seeks to shed light on the gender-specific nuances that permeate such dynamics. Indeed, it is now widely accepted that ideas of masculinity have had a significant impact on the way in which politics is understood and analysed, often skewing our perspective of what exactly is taking place. When applied to the realm of Syria studies, employing a more gender-sensitive approach can help us capture the stories that are often untold, or brushed aside; stories of women and men attempting to assert their identity in a political context that is often adamant at denying them this right.

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Author Biographies

Omar Imady, University of St Andrews

In this new issue of Syria Studies, entitled “Untold Stories – Gender-sensitive readings of the Syrian Uprising,” we are pleased to share two samples of a new and promising approach to analysing and interpreting the narrative of war. It is an approach that is not only preoccupied with the human dimension of political conflict, but also one that seeks to shed light on the gender-specific nuances that permeate such dynamics. Indeed, it is now widely accepted that ideas of masculinity have had a significant impact on the way in which politics is understood and analysed, often skewing our perspective of what exactly is taking place. When applied to the realm of Syria studies, employing a more gender-sensitive approach can help us capture the stories that are often untold, or brushed aside; stories of women and men attempting to assert their identity in a political context that is often adamant at denying them this right.

Joanne Hopkins, Aberystwyth University

Joanne Hopkins is a part time PhD candidate at Aberystwyth University in the International Politics Department. Her research focuses on the fear of sexual violence in conflict and the impact on Syrian Refugees. She is a full time Senior Civil Servant in the UK government and has extensive experi-ence in immigration policy and process. This paper is written in her person-al, academic capacity. The views expressed here are her own and should not be interpreted as reflecting those of the UK government or any organisations she may be associated with employment as a Civil Servant.

Nusaiba Joan Imady, SOAS

Nusaiba Joan Imady grew up in Damascus and holds a BA in English lit-erature from St. Catherine University, and an MA in Gender Studies with special reference to the Middle East from SOAS. She is also a published poet.