Comfort Ero’s 2026 Top Picks on Gender & Conflict | Crisis Group

For International Women’s Day, Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group, has released a curated list of ten Crisis Group publications, op-eds, interviews, and podcasts highlighting the complex intersection of conflict and gender. The selections, published throughout the last year, underscore the increasing challenges faced by women and girls in conflict zones globally, and the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches to peace and security.

Ero’s selections, available on the International Crisis Group website, offer a sobering assessment of the threats facing women in areas ranging from Colombia to Afghanistan, and Ukraine to Myanmar. The list isn’t simply a catalog of problems, but a call for renewed attention to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, and a recognition that gender inequality is both a driver and a consequence of conflict.

Colombia: Exploiting Prejudice Against LGBTQI+ Individuals

The list begins with a briefing published December 3, 2025, focusing on Colombia: “Exploiting Prejudice: LGBTQI+ People and Armed Groups in Colombia.” This report details how armed groups are deliberately targeting LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly transgender women, to consolidate territorial control. The report highlights a disturbing trend: the exploitation of vulnerability as a tactic of war. The Crisis Group’s analysis points to a need for increased state protection and a more robust response to violence against this community, emphasizing that addressing this issue is crucial for lasting peace in Colombia.

Afghanistan: Risks for Deported Women and Girls

The precarious situation of Afghan women and girls is brought into sharp focus with a report examining the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Published May 22, 2025, the report warns that the deportation of Afghan refugees by Islamabad poses significant risks to women and girls, given the Taliban’s increasingly restrictive policies. “Pakistan-Afghanistan: Tempering the Deportation Drive” details how the Taliban’s edicts severely limit women’s access to education, employment, and even basic freedoms, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. The report underscores the humanitarian implications of large-scale deportations and the need for international pressure on the Taliban to respect the rights of women and girls.

The WPS Agenda Under Pressure

A key theme running through Ero’s selections is the growing pushback against the WPS agenda. An op-ed by Crisis Group’s Gender Project Director, Cristal Downing, published on PassBlue October 5, 2025, addresses this challenge directly. Downing argues that decreased political support from the U.S. And the UN Security Council, coupled with aid cuts, have significantly diminished the capacity to address the effects of conflict on women and to support their participation in peacemaking. This decline in support, Downing contends, is undermining years of progress and jeopardizing the future of women’s rights in conflict-affected areas. The op-ed serves as a stark warning about the fragility of the WPS agenda and the need for renewed commitment from key international actors.

Ukraine: Amplified Gender Inequalities and Sexual Violence

The war in Ukraine has exacerbated existing gender inequalities and led to a rise in sexual and gender-based violence. A November 27, 2025, episode of the Crisis Group podcast “War and Peace” explores these issues in detail. The podcast highlights how the conflict has created new vulnerabilities for women and girls, while also opening up opportunities for them in traditionally male-dominated fields. The discussion underscores the importance of addressing gender-based violence as an integral part of the humanitarian response and peacebuilding efforts in Ukraine.

Myanmar: Fragmentation and Women’s Exclusion

The situation in Myanmar, following the 2021 coup, is also highlighted in Ero’s list. A briefing, “Fractured Heartland: Shan Politics and Conflict in Post-coup Myanmar,” examines how the fragmentation of the political landscape is exacerbating inter-ethnic conflict and reinforcing inequalities, including the exclusion of women from political life. The report emphasizes the need for inclusive political solutions that address the root causes of conflict and ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace processes.

Child Recruitment in Colombia: A Growing Threat

The list also draws attention to the alarming rise in child recruitment in Colombia. A February 12, 2026 report details how armed groups are increasingly luring children into their ranks with false promises. The report calls for urgent action to identify and protect children at risk, strengthen protection measures in schools, and investigate perpetrators of child recruitment. The report underscores the long-term consequences of child recruitment for both the individuals involved and the prospects for peace in Colombia.

Afghanistan: Women-Led Businesses as a Precarious Lifeline

Despite the Taliban’s restrictions, women in Afghanistan are demonstrating resilience by establishing businesses. A Crisis Group report, “A Precarious Lifeline? Women-led Business in Afghanistan,” highlights this trend and argues that supporting women-led businesses is crucial for economic stability and empowerment. The report recommends easing restrictions on women’s economic activities and increasing donor support for women entrepreneurs.

Gender Analysis and Conflict Resolution: Insights from Nigar Göksel

The list includes a link to an interview with Nigar Göksel, Crisis Group’s project director for Türkiye/Cyprus, on the Island Talks podcast. Göksel discusses the importance of incorporating gender analysis into conflict resolution efforts and shares her experiences working on gender and conflict in various contexts. The interview provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of promoting gender equality in peace and security.

Sexual and Reproductive Health in Conflict: A Critical Gap

Finally, Ero’s list references a section of Crisis Group’s “Ten Challenges for the UN in 2025-2026,” focusing on the critical need to address sexual and reproductive health needs in conflict settings. The report highlights how aid cuts have left a significant gap in services, particularly for women and girls affected by sexual violence. The report underscores the importance of prioritizing sexual and reproductive health as an essential component of humanitarian response and peacebuilding efforts.

Comfort Ero’s selections serve as a powerful reminder that gender equality is not merely a matter of human rights, but a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable peace and security. The publications, op-eds, interviews, and podcasts she has highlighted offer valuable insights into the complex challenges facing women in conflict zones and provide a roadmap for more effective and gender-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding. The continued erosion of support for the WPS agenda, as highlighted in several of the selections, presents a significant threat to progress and underscores the urgent need for renewed commitment from the international community.

Looking ahead, the Crisis Group will likely continue to monitor these trends and advocate for greater attention to gender issues in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding. The organization’s ongoing research and analysis will be crucial for informing policy and practice and ensuring that the voices of women are heard in peace processes around the world. The effectiveness of these efforts will depend on the willingness of states and international organizations to prioritize gender equality and invest in programs that empower women and girls in conflict-affected areas.