Clarke Forum Panel Discusses Gender, Religion and Violence

Visiting International Scholar in Philosophy Jean-Pierre Karegeye moderated a discussion about what he described as “the nexus of gender and religion” in relation to violence and military practices in the modern world at a Clarke Forum event titled Gender, Religion, and Violence. 

The panel consisted of President Margee Ensign, Professor at the U.S. Army War College and active U.S. Colonel Celestino Perez, Advisor for the U.S. Department of State Office of Religion and Global Affairs Christina Li and Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Department of State Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues Stephanie Ogorzalek.

Perez spoke about the importance of understanding the communities where militaries plan to intervene. Perez gave a “loving critique” of the U.S. military, and said military professionals rarely read literature about the regions they go to. He said military professionals should think ethically and that “to be ethical also means to be practically minded, to be prudent.”

Li talked about the importance of religious leaders, rather than extremist groups like ISIS, taking pains to reach out to disenfranchised peoples. Li suggested those seeking belonging could engage with religious communities instead of destructive groups. 

Orgorzalek discussed gender-based violence prevalent especially in war-torn countries or those without religious freedom. According to Orgorzalek, the larger the educational, economic and medical gender gap within a nation, the more likely that nation would be involved in conflict. 

Orgorzalek also describing the progress made by countries that have previously relied on claims of religious tradition to promote gender-based violence like forced child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Religious women, Orgorzalek said, have also stepped to the forefront of discussions about violence and conflict around the world, signifying potential progress nationwide.

Ensign closed the panel with an explanation of the role of education and data in the prevention of violence. She discussed her own experiences in Nigeria and said “educating girls and women is one of the most powerful forces in the world.” 

Turnout was not high, but students enjoyed the diversity of the panel as well as the consideration of the connections between gender, religion and violence. 

“Overall, I thought the panel was very informative,” said attendee Espoir DelMain ’21, though “they could’ve done a better job making a cohesive argument, but I suppose that’s hard when they come from such different fields.” DelMain said. 

Lilly Middleton ’19 appreciated the diverse panel but also felt as though the discussion was not narrow enough. “I would have appreciated a more targeted discussion on one aspect, theory, or location with regard to gender, religion and violence,” she said. 

Rachel Prince ’21 found the talking points on female genital mutilation interesting. “It was really encouraging to learn that religious leaders are speaking to their communities, and condemning FGM,” she said. “I think it’s pertinent for religious leaders to recognize the intersection between religion and women’s issues…when interacting and educating their community members.”

“Gender, Religion, and Violence” took place on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. in ATS.