Researchers from the Peace Research Institute Oslo have engaged with the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives to provide research-based insights on Women, Peace and Security and the integration of gender perspectives in a changing security environment.
As NATO shifts its focus from international operations toward deterrence and collective defence, new questions are emerging about how gender perspectives can be applied in practical and strategic ways. PRIO researchers Louise Olsson and Marianne Dahl, together with Torbjørn Hanson from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, contributed expertise on how gender-related issues can be addressed in defence planning and whole-of-society security approaches.
On 20 May 2026, Louise Olsson participated in the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives Annual Conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels. The conference, titled “Every Inch, Every Person: Advancing Gender Perspectives in Collective Defence,” focused on how gender analysis can strengthen understanding of threats, indicators and warnings in today’s security context.
Olsson highlighted the importance of selecting the right gender-related indicators and interpreting data trends carefully. She noted that while access to gender-disaggregated data and advanced analytical technologies is increasing, oversimplified or unguided interpretations can lead to incorrect conclusions, particularly in areas such as disinformation and masculinity norms.
On 12 June 2026, Olsson also organized an expert consultation for the NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives Executive Committee and the NATO International Military Staff Office of the Gender Advisor during their plenary programme in Norway.
At the consultation, Marianne Dahl presented ongoing PRIO research on willingness to defend in Norway, a project funded by the Ministry of Defence. Her presentation examined military and civilian dimensions of total defence and explored how gender gaps in attitudes can be better understood across different forms of engagement.
Torbjørn Hanson presented data-driven research on the impact of sexual and gender-based harassment on military effectiveness, including its effects on cohesion. His contribution also examined how interventions focused on diversity awareness and social norms could help address risks to effectiveness.
Olsson further presented research from her project on gender equality and total defence, identifying concrete gender issues in whole-of-society security approaches. She emphasized the importance of translating Women, Peace and Security commitments into practical areas of action, including mobilization, strategic communication, protection of civilians and responses to disinformation.
The engagement reflects PRIO’s role in supporting evidence-based dialogue on gender, defence and security as NATO adapts to new geopolitical realities and strengthens its collective defence agenda.
