Gender-Based Violence: Mixed and Intersectional Analysis of a Heterogeneous Phenomenon on the Rise
Violences fondées sur le genre : analyse mixte et intersectionnelle d’un phénomène hétérogène en recrudescence
Published on Monday, March 09, 2026
Abstract
Gender based violence (GBV) has emerged as a multidimensional and increasingly heterogeneous field of inquiry, requiring renewed epistemological, theoretical, and methodological engagement across the social and human sciences. This interdisciplinary call for papers seeks contributions that critically interrogate the evolving configurations of GBV through mixed, intersectional, and context sensitive approaches. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and encouraging contributions grounded in robust theoretical frameworks and rigorous empirical inquiry, this call aims to advance scholarly understanding of GBV and to inform the development of more effective prevention strategies, institutional responses, and public policies.
Announcement
Argument
The adoption on February 23, 1994, of Resolution 48/101 by the UN General Assembly on the elimination of violence against women was a crucial step in raising international awareness of the scale and severity of the violations of dignity suffered by a large portion of humanity. According to the United Nations definition, “the term ‘violence against women’ means any act of violence directed against women that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.” By formulating a definitional framework for violence against women that sets out its typology and specifies its forms, the United Nations has provided a useful conceptual tool for analyzing violence through the prism of gender relations. As a result, the term “gender-based violence” is increasingly used to refer to acts of violence targeting women. In addition to their sexist motivations, these categories of violence disproportionately affect women, hence the occasional combination of the two concepts in the expression “gender-based violence against women.”[1].
However, since the epistemological leap made in the social sciences in the 1970s, which made it possible to theorize the concept of gender as an analytical and discursive category capable of grasping the asymmetries and inequalities that characterize gender relations (Oakley, 1972; J.W. Scott, 1988), the notion of gender has expanded enormously, while its meaning has become more refined. Among the most significant theoretical and epistemological developments of recent decades, the contribution of intersectionality is particularly relevant to the analytical categories considered in this call for papers. Theorized by the Black American academic Kimberley Crenshaw (1989), the term intersectionality makes visible the situations of injustice experienced by a multitude of different minorities. Thus, in addition to the gender difference initially used to understand the mechanisms behind hierarchies and unequal power relations within a society, work on intersectionality highlights other forms of inequality that combine with other forms of discrimination to reinforce the oppression suffered by women and other social minorities. (Alexandre Jaunait, Sébastien Chauvin).
Research on gender-based violence has attracted considerable interest from international organizations and human rights associations. In addition to a large body of documents consisting of investigation reports, summary notes, and documentaries, scientific research has provided a thorough and refined analysis of the issue of gender-based violence, offering a more detailed understanding of the mechanisms that promote it.
Research has also helped to better understand the various ways in which gender-based violence manifests itself, as well as the different forms it takes. Scientific conferences and meetings have also encouraged closer examination of the subject. Efforts to reduce violence and its effects have thus been explored.
While the vibrant field of gender-based violence studies has made a significant amount of data available, it is important to note that many of these studies remain silent on the situation of men, who are also affected by this violence. In particular, data on violence against men is sorely lacking. However, as the INED report emphasizes, men and women are not affected by this phenomenon in the same way (INED, 2021). Moreover, the diversity of forms of violence, their typologies and their effects are even more striking depending on whether the victims are elderly (Lucio Bizini 2007), disabled (Célia Bouchet, Mathéa Boudinet and Amandine Courot, 2025), or belong to minority social groups (Michelle Lapierre Acevedo, Xóchitl Escobedo García, Andrea Moctezuma Balderas, Zoila Romualdo Pérez and Alexander Yarza de los Ríos, 2021).
While focusing on violence against women, as the most visible and growing form of gender-based violence, this volume calls for a mixed and intersectional analysis of gender-based violence, viewed as a phenomenon in which gender, whether female or male, age, disability, ethnicity, and administrative status, are the basis for violence against a person. Four areas for reflection are proposed.
Proposed research areas:
Axis 1. Violence against women: a phenomenon that is becoming more complex
The resurgence of gender-based violence (Fondation des Femmes Report, 2025) raises questions about the new contexts in which it arises. In addition to the usual forms of violence – sexual, physical, emotional, social and economic – contributors are invited to analyse the spaces where gender-based violence is on the rise, with a view to highlighting the specific mechanisms at work, the nature of the types of violence that emerge there, and the ways in which traditional forms of violence are being renewed. Such innovative approaches could also question the relevance and effectiveness of the policies implemented to identify, prevent and eradicate these mechanisms. Some non-exhaustive examples of themes that could be explored are :
- Structural causes of persistent violence against women: reinforcement of patriarchal norms and gender inequalities; economic insecurity, lack of or insufficient legal protection, impunity for perpetrators of violence.…
- Contexts that exacerbate violence: armed conflicts and violence; pandemics and the resurgence of domestic violence, climate change and increased violence, etc.…
- Social media, technological advances, and new forms of violence: dissemination of images without consent, cyberbullying, GPS tracking, etc.…
Axis 2. Violence against men: a taboo subject?
Although it is less and less denied, violence against men remains little known or poorly understood. As highlighted by the results of a study conducted by CRED (Research Circle on Human Rights) in Cameroon in 2008 on violence against men by women, the violence suffered by men at the hands of women is diverse:
verbal, physical, economic, sexual, ritual, psychological and moral violence, homicide and infanticide. This violence occurs in all areas of life: in public places, workplaces, entertainment venues, on the streets, in schools, churches, homes and neighbourhoods. It is exacerbated during periods of crisis, particularly when a husband loses his job, during the festive season at the end of the year, and during celebrations such as International Women's Day. Children, adolescents, the elderly and adults are all vulnerable to violence, which claims victims of all ages[2].
Furthermore, other rare studies that have examined the subject highlight a rapidly growing phenomenon, albeit to a lesser extent than violence against women. The organisers of this volume therefore call for the taboo surrounding this form of gender-based violence to be lifted, in order to address the cognitive biases that characterise it through documented analysis. With this in mind, case studies, survey results based on rigorous data collection, interviews and testimonials are expected to cover a non-exhaustive list of possible topics:
- Types and specific characteristics of violence against men
- Socio-cultural constructs of hegemonic masculinity and the invisibility of violence against men
- Polygamous marital contexts and violence against men
- Economic hardship and violence against men
- Perceptions, negative representations of male victims of violence perpetrated by women.
Axis 3. Interlocking systems of oppression and reinforcement of violence
How do factors of marginalization, such as age, ethnicity, disability, and precarious immigration status (undocumented immigrants, refugees), structure gender relations and contribute to reinforcing violence? This is the question this volume invites contributors to address. Since the theory of intersectionality has emphasized the need to analyze violence as resulting from the interplay of multiple forms of oppression, new approaches to gender-based violence have emerged (Bilge Sirma, 2009; Bachand Rémi, 2014). These approaches, which suggest combining the analysis of observed violence with other forms of discrimination, allow us to move beyond the tendency to homogenize the experiences of vulnerable groups under the fallacious pretext of a shared human condition. Indeed, in the face of violence, disability, social status, age, cultural background, and administrative status all create differences between those affected. This volume aims to contribute to documenting how the combination of multiple forms of discrimination and vulnerabilities reinforces gender-based violence:
- What specific forms does gender-based violence against disabled and/or elderly people take?
- How do disability and/or age exacerbate gender-based violence?
- What specific forms of violence do indigenous peoples (pygmies) face because of their ethnicity?
- To what extent does their ethnicity increase gender-based violence against indigenous peoples (Pygmies)?
- What specific forms of gender-based violence affect migrants?
- How do refugee status and/or illegality increase migrants' vulnerability to gender-based violence?
Submission guidelines
Those interested in this call are invited to submit their proposals in accordance with the terms and conditions specified below.
In addition to traditional scientific article formats, the following formats are also accepted: field experience, survey report, case study, life story, etc.
Abstracts of contributions, written in French or English, not exceeding 250 characters, should be sent to this address: femmes.chercheurs@gmail.com.
by May 30, 2026.
Proposal submission schedule
- Call published: March 5, 2026
- Abstract submission deadline :
- Notification to authors : June 30, 2026
- Receipt of developed proposals : September 15, 2026
- Send texts for expert analysis : October 30, 2026
- Return of reviewed texts : November 30, 2026
- Send texts to the editor : December 15, 2026
- Expected publication date : February 27, 2026
Scientific committee
- Pr. Njikam Savage , UDo
- Pr. Mpoche Kizitus Nformi, UY1
- Pr. Assoumou Jules, UDo
- Pr. Atenga Thomas, UDo
- Pr. Mondoue Roger , UDs
- Pr. Tchumtchoua Emmanuel , UDo
- Pr. Nzogue Jean Baptiste, UDo
- Pr. Ntjam Marie-Chantale, Udo
- Pr. Brenda Nachuah Lawyer , UDo
- Pr. Ngo Nlend Nadeige Laure, UDo
- Pr. Anafak L. A. Japhet, UY1/ULB
- Pr. Messina Mvogo Ernest, Udo
- Pr. Wogaing Fotso Jeanette , UDo
- Pr. Ekorong A Mougnol Alain F., UDo
- Pr. Mélingui Ayissi Norbert, Udo
- Pr. Bot Martin Luther Udo
- Pr. Asonganyi Esther UBa
- Pr. Tegna Edith Mireille UNg
- Pr. Tchombe Therese UB
- Pr. Wainkem Praxidis, UY1
- Pr. Fasse Innocent, UDo
- Pr. Ngo Balepa A. Udo
- Pr. Medjo Elimbi Solange, Udo
- Pr. Mbuh Martha. Udo
- Pr. Amabiamina Flora UDo
- Pr. Fombele Eunice, UB
- Pr. Bikoko Isidore P. , Udo
- Pr. Linda Ankiambom Lawyer, UY1
- Pr. Mballa Elanga Edmond VII, Udo
- Pr. Nguiepi George Victor, Udo
- Pr. Dikoume Albert Fracncois
- Pr. Same Ekolle
- Pr Patrick Fonyuy Shey
- Pr. Tani Emmanuel Lukong
- Pr. Fai Lillian
- Pr. Nkelzok Valere
- Pr. Mayi Marc Bruno
- Pr. Nguemeta Phillipe
- Dr. Pola Gyscard Merlin
- Pr. Temadjo Jacques
- Pr. Soulemanou Amadou
- Pr. Dimbo Jean Baptist
References
Gauthier Arlette, « Les violences de genre. Théories, définitions, et politiques », Autrepart, 2018/1, N°85, pp 3-18.
Rapport Fondation des Femmes, Six ans après Grenelle, une démobilisation inquiétante. Décembre 20, accessed online at, https://fondationdesfemmes.org/communiques-de-presse/rapport-feminicides-grenelle/
Cahier du genre, « Violences obstétricales », 2022/ n°71, 230 pages
Bilge, Sirma, 2009, « Théorisations féministes de l’intersectionnalité », Diogène, no 225, p. 70-88. 10.3917/dio.225.0070Google Scholar
Bachand Rémi, L’intersectionnalité : dominations, exploitations, résistances et émancipation, Online, https://id.erudit.org/iderudit/1025584ar, Accessed on 10 February 2026.
Personnes à contacter
- Pr Brenda Nachuah Lawyer, Université de Douala, bdiangha@gmail.com
- Pr Ngo Nlend Nadeige Laure, Université de Douala, nanlendo1@yahoo.fr
- Dr Gertrude Palai Baipamé, Université de Douala, baipamepalai@yahoo.fr
Notes
[1] We also talk about gender-based violence.
[2] Research Circle on Human Rights and the Human Person (CRED), Study on violence against men by women in Cameroon, November 2008. Online draft ohchr https://tbinternet.ohchr.org ›, accessed on February 4, 2026.
Subjects
- Africa (Main category)
- Society > Science studies
Places
- Faculté des lettres et Sciences Humaines - Femmes chercheures Université de Douala
Douala, Cameroon (+237)
Event attendance modalities
Hybrid event (on site and online)
Date(s)
- Sunday, May 31, 2026
Attached files
Keywords
- violences, genre, intersectionnelle, phénomène hétérogène en recrudescence, reconfigurations contemporaines des violences
Contact(s)
- Nachuah LAWYER Pr Brenda
courriel : bdiangha [at] gmail [dot] com - Nadeige Laure Pr NGO NLEND
courriel : nanlendo1 [at] yahoo [dot] fr - Gertrude Dr PalaÏ Baipamé
courriel : baipamepalai [at] yahoo [dot] fr
Information source
- Jacuqes Pr Temadjo
courriel : temadjo2001 [at] gmail [dot] com
License
This announcement is licensed under the terms of Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal.
To cite this announcement
« Gender-Based Violence: Mixed and Intersectional Analysis of a Heterogeneous Phenomenon on the Rise », Call for papers, Calenda, Published on Monday, March 09, 2026, https://doi.org/10.58079/15u33
