A call for feminist insights in cybersecurity: implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security in cyberspace

Abstract

This chapter is a call for the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and the WPS agenda to be applied within cyberspace. Given the extent of cyberspace, the chapter argues that applying UNSCR 1325 to the virtual sphere will facilitate attention and resources to better address women’s security from a holistic perspective. The chapter focuses on both conflict-affected countries where gender-based violence increases in war environments and fragile states where cybercrime increases due to the vulnerabilities of the population. Following a critical rereading of UNSCR 1325, the chapter outlines a theoretical framework that builds on the work of previous feminist international relations (IR) scholars who have called for the expansion of UNSCR 1325 in innovative ways. The chapter highlights five areas where UNSCR 1325 and the WPS agenda can move forward in scholarship, advocacy, and policymaking to better secure women, girls, and other minorities in cyberspace.