Gendered impacts of the localised protection of civilians: insights from Libya

Recent research suggests that it is the local communities in conflict-affected societies, rather than state authorities or international peacekeepers, that are the key actors in the protection of civilians. This ‘localised’ protection of civilians has significant gendered implications. Evidence from post-Gaddafi Libya suggests that women and girls are often compelled to exchange their basic rights for protection from violence and insecurity. Paradoxically, as Outi Donovan discusses here, it is often the actors meant to be providing protection that constitute the gravest threat to their security.