Articles

Sweden Says: Its time for a common EU position to end prostitution. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Café Babel, 31 May 2012.
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This article discusses the legalization of prostitution and the consequences of differing legislations across the EU. Taking the example of Sweden, who made prostitution illegal in 1999, the author argues that the legalization of prostitution fuels gender-based violence as well as human trafficking.

Muslim women in France choose between integration and tradition. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. The SunFlower Post, 27 April 2012.
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This article discusses the situation of young Muslim women in France, compared to their male counterparts and analyses the different challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant men and women.

As Africa’s second female President Joyce Banda takes office, new hopes for Malawi. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Make Every Woman Count, 11 April 2012.
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Joyce Banda, Africa’s second female President was sworn in to office today in Malawi. The tasks ahead of her are important, ranging from combatting hunger and poverty to promoting the participation and empowerment of women in Malawi but her appointment also signals a new turn and hope for her country and for Africa.

Men are Key to Improve Women’s Rights in Africa – and Worldwide. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Make Every Woman Count, 28 February 2012.
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This article discusses the importance of involving men at all levels of gender-oriented policies. Without the involvement and understanding of men on the importance to educate women and girls and to empower them, notably in terms of their reproductive health, the efforts towards gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights cannot be fully achieved.

Why the EU must Act to Stop Female Genital Mutilation. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Make Every Woman Count, 6 February 2012.
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6 February marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. 500.000 women and girls are living with FGM and another 180.000 girls are at risk each year. This article calls for the EU to act within its own borders to end this scourge.

Investing in Girls. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Young Feminist Wire, AWID, 22 December 2011.
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This blog analyses the Clock is Ticking video and discusses the impact of the Girl Effect on policy and decision making. It argues for the inclusion of men in gender-sensitive policies and for the importance of pursuing perpetrators of violence against women to achieve national reconciliation.

Women’s Rights are Human Rights too. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Make Every Woman Count, 9 December 2011
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As International Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide on 10 December, this article discusses the challenges faced by African women in terms of human rights, such as sexual violence in conflict, FGM and trafficking into prostitution, as well women’s socio-economic and political impact on all spheres of societies. Most importantly, it discusses the importance of making women’s rights a full component of human rights.

An Arab Spring to End Violence Against Women. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. Gender Across Borders, 28 October 2011.
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To deny women the right to vote and to partake in political, social and economic questions that might concern them, constitutes a serious form of violence against women as it deprives them of the right to impact, to change and to challenge decisions that might be discriminatory towards them. While some Arab countries have used the cultural argument to prevent women from participating in political and social life, it is the duty of the international community to challenge such arguments and use its leverage to urge those states to enforce the rights of women and the respect of their basic rights. In that sense, international treaties, such as CEDAW, must be strongly reinforced by the entire international community so that such treaties do not become meaningless.

A New Libya Must Also Be For Women. By Vibeke B. Thomsen, GenderHopes. ISIS Europe Blog, 5 September 2011.
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This short piece discusses the role of Libyan women in the revolution and the steps the National Transitional Council can take in order to put womens’ rights on the top of the agenda and make sure women are included in the post-conflict reconstruction of Libya.

Beyond Implementation: Making EU SSR effective. By Giji Gya and Vibeke B. Thomsen. European Security Review nr. 46, October 2009.
esr46-ssreform
This article discusses the EU discourse and practice strives towards the effectiveness and efficiency in efforts towards crisis management and civilian missions. The majority of European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) missions are on Security Sector Reform (SSR), particularly dealing with police and defence reform. This article discusses the practicality from experiences and lessons learnt by looking at the perspectives that make SSR work.

President Obama: A Leader for European Nuclear Disarmament? By Vibeke B. Thomsen, European Security Review nr. 46, October 2009
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This article discusses the possible impact of a radical change of stance in the policy of the United States in terms of Weapons of Mass Destructions and disarmament on selected national and common policies of EU Member States.

One Year On: What is Next for Kosovo? By Vibeke B. Thomsen. European Security Review nr. 43, March 2009.
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As Kosovo celebrated its one year anniversary on 17 February 2009, a common EU position had still not been achieved and serious concerns regarding the future of the province remained. The mandate of the EU mission on the ground was still a subject of debate while Kosovo continued to be faced with economic, ethnic and social challenges.

France: Disarming or Upgrading? By Vibeke B. Thomsen. European Security Review nr. 41, November 2008.
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France continuously reaffirms itself as a nuclear weapon power, arguing that nuclear deterrence is the essential foundation of France’s national defence strategy and that it guarantees France’s security and independence. However, in recent years, France’s decision to improve its nuclear capacities is confronted with a slow fading of public opinion support and an increasing opposition from several EU Member States and MEPs who wish to see the EU as a nuclear-free-zone.