Gender, Security and SSR in Lebanon

This report examines the role of gender in Lebanese security perceptions, Lebanese perceptions of security institutions, as well as gender dynamics within security institutions. Using gender as a category of analysis allows for a deeper understanding of broader security perceptions, including of those related to the Syrian refugee crisis, to vulnerability and domestic violence, but also points to areas for further research areas, such as male vulnerabilities, addressing sexual and gender-based violence and concerns over environmental degradation. Lebanese gendered perceptions of security institutions include confessional and political power structures comprising mostly maledominated patronage networks, and a ‘masculine’ public image, which is reflected in perceived behaviours and responses. Gender dynamics play a role in defining how Lebanese security institutions act and react to different security-relevant situations, but also directly affect working conditions within the institutions.