DSpace Angular :: Browsing Global Campus Europe: EMA by Author "Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope"

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Behind closed doors. Domestic violence in France and women’s pathways to seeking justice : navigating against social norms and the culture of impunity

( 2022) Bourguignon, Alissia ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

It is widely known that the largest risk of violence for women is at their home or within their intimate circle. Domestic violence (DV) constitutes one of the most pressing forms of violence against women, to which France is no exception. Beyond the prevalence and pervasiveness of DV against women in France, the survivors of this violence concurrently face an array of obstacles when attempting to seek justice. This thesis sought to evaluate the challenges faced by women in France, who are victims of DV, when attempting to seek justice. Despite France’s legal framework on violence against women, and its ratifications of crucial treaties aimed at the protection of women’s rights, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Istanbul Convention, an implementation gap still exists. Through interdisciplinary and qualitative methods, this thesis incorporated the analysis of various reports by human rights monitoring bodies, studies carried out by French feminist organizations, and an interview conducted with a representative of the French feminist collective, Nous Toutes. The findings of this thesis do not directly highlight the shortcomings of the current legal system in France but instead the ways in which socio-economic, cultural misunderstandings of DV, and structural barriers impact women’s pathways to justice. The concluding analysis reveals how the obstacles to seeking justice are simultaneously obstacles that maintain and normalize the prevalence of DV against women, in French society.

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( 2018) Germano, Rebecca ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) has been recognised as a selfstanding crime that can threaten international security and impede the restoration of a sustainable international peace. Even though it is punishable under International Law, the path to eradicate it is still long. The thesis aims to explore how the international community has been able to bring these vexations to light and provide a holistic mechanism to prevent CRSV, bring perpetrators to justice, protect victims and grant them reparation. In an effort to capture the complexities of the phenomenon, this work adopts an innovative approach and builds on an interesting nexus. Indeed, it analyses the dynamic interplay between the Reporting Cycles to the CEDAW Committee, its General Recommendation n. 30 and National Action Plans implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in selected conflict-affected countries, in order to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, in which CRSV is a central issue. New insights, a dynamic framework of analysis and the consequent deep understanding of the phenomenon sheds light on CRSV. The study demonstrates that the aforementioned interplay can be crucial to avoid and eradicate the phenomenon and finally reach the truth behind the darker, overlooked, silenced side of conflicts.

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( 2021) Matos, Dulce : Miranda ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Sexual violence in wartime is a barbaric behaviour that affects everyone around the world. Despite sexual violence in wartime has gained more international attention over the last years, there is still a need to learn about this topic. Most interventions that aim to mitigate sexual violence tend to focus on external factors causing this behaviour, however this is not enough to stop it. The true nature of sexual violence needs to be understood. With this in mind, this thesis aims to understand how sexual violent acts are maintained, how and why people choose to comply with these harmful behaviours, why women and girls are the most affected and how human rights interventionists can implement effective interventions to end sexual violence. For this purpose, a multidisciplinary analysis of several theories and empirical works was made. Concluding that sexual violence results from collective expectations and beliefs within a group maintained by social sanctions (social norms). As for women and girls, it relates to gender norms that function similarly to social norms. In this way, interventionists should design a more dynamic and inclusive interventions considering social (gender) norms as the primary focus together with non-social factors (external and individual factors).

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Discrimination against women in social and political fields in Azad Kashmir.

( 2014) Khan, Muhammad Junaid ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Hadjipavlou, Maria

Discrimination against women is a leading social problem around the world. It starts right after the birth of a child. The first part of the study is based analytical and theoretical framework. These theories test the empirical data of discrimination against women in the history and civilizations and try to find their role in the society of Azad Kashmir. The Second part of the study contributes to the research regarding Islam that is the official religion of Azad Kashmir and the population is almost 98 percent is Muslim. This part of study mainly concerns the actual status of women in Islam and their social, political, and economic rights as well. This study also tries to remove the misconception in the minds of the people that women have no equal status in Islam. Third section of the study based on historical background and nature of sate of Azad Kashmir. In line with the exploratory nature of the research, semi-structured interview guideline and questionnaire was developed and used to get an in-depth insight of the study. Interviews conducted by Skype and mobile phone and a questionnaire distributed by email and Facebook in different districts of Azad Kashmir. Women of different political and social background purposively selected from Azad Jammu and Kashmir This thesis uses a qualitative method of research with the supplementary help of quantitative method. The results show that the tested theories have a substantial role in upholding the discriminatory practice against women in Azad Kashmir and true teachings of Islam have no link between each other. Moreover, It is found that International and local human rights organizations such as human rights commission of Pakistan have less concern regarding violence issues happening in Azad Kashmir.

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An ecofeminist perspective of the impact of development policies on women’s lives. The case of Ethiopia

( 2019) Gontharet, Amélie ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Constantinides, Aristotelis

Development is a contested concept that is still evolving within the global debate in which gender literature largely contributes. However, if there is no consensus on the broad notion of development, the integration of the gender dimension within it is also very controversial. This thesis suggests looking at the impact of development policies on women’s lives through a constructivist social ecofeminist perspective. Hence, this analysis is based on the assumption that the environment and women are interconnected in in terms of developing policies. The constructivist theory avoids essentialization, and as such, women are coerced to act as social and cultural agents not because it is in their essence but because the patriarchal capitalist system constrains and limits them in their opportunities. Focusing on the case of Ethiopia, the impact of development practices on women’s relations with the environment and industrialization processes will be discussed. This research will bring a fresh insight on the consequences of development practices in the areas of industry, food and health on the living conditions of women. It will highlight that such practices increase gender inequality, food insecurity and risks of infection. In this respect, these dimensions must be fully integrated by donors and actors not only in their guidelines but also in practice.

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Economic and social rights of asylum seekers in the European Union

( 2007) Lecue, Aline ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Constantinides, Aristotle

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The EU and election observation missions to Afghanistan, 2004-2014

( 2016) Intini, Dario ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

The aim of this work is to contextualise and analyse EU Election Observation Missions to Afghanistan for the period 2004-2014. In so doing, I will answer the following research questions: a) What has been the EU's assessment both of the electoral process and the human rights situation surrounding elections in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2014? b) Which hypotheses may be raised to explain the EU's overall assessment of the electoral processes in Afghanistan? Does the assessment of the electoral process in Afghanistan reflect the EU's character both as a normative and strategic actor? This research work is mainly build on the theoretical and analytical framework of Judith G. Kelley and on the systematic study of both the preliminary statements and final reports of the election observation mission. This work suggests that in its election observation missions in Afghanistan, the EU has acted both as a normative and as a strategic actor.

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Female interfaith initiatives: empowering women, facilitating peace? Exploring female interfaith initiatives’ untapped potential for creating a ‘culture of peace’

( 2019) Saf, Malina ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Panagakou, Stamatoula

This thesis explores female interfaith initiatives’ as agents of change for achieving a more inclusive and sustainable peace. It argues that female interfaith initiatives carry an untapped, transformational potential in terms of facilitating inclusive and sustainable peace. Building on the nexus between religion, women, interfaith dialogue and peace this work investigates “How female interfaith initiatives actively work towards a ‘culture of peace’ by advocating for gender equality?”. To explore this research question, the focus is on the Global Women of Faith Network (GWFN) and seven complementary female interfaith initiatives working at various levels in different countries. Through qualitative methods a mapping exercise of the respective female interfaith initiatives was performed. Identifying a mutual influence between the initiatives on the global level with female interfaith initiatives operating at the local level, Israel is chosen as a case study. Interviews with female interfaith initiatives allow an analysis of their commitment to a “culture of peace” and inform on the extent they address several dimensions of the unequal status of women. Empirical evidence suggests that female interfaith initiatives use interfaith dialogue and religion as tools to build peace and bridges between faith communities, thus reaching out to an untapped potential of peace efforts.

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FGM/C in asylum policy: the long way towards a gender-sensitive approach

( 2018) Kobeinsdóttir, Elínborg ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

With increased migrants and asylum seekers world flows, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has become a reality outside of practicing countries, worldwide. This work examines the gender-sensitivity of the European Union´s Asylum policy with respect to FGM/C, as it can seriously affect the protection and wellbeing of female asylum seekers. The lack of it, hinders them acting as agents of change. To capture the complexity of the phenomenon within a human rights perspective, this thesis takes Transnational Feminist Theory as a conceptual and analytical framework that places the experiences of women in a broader socio-cultural context. It explores and uncovers the level of gender-sensitivity of existing law and policies, particularly Directives of the Common European Asylum System. Analysed empirical data, which includes GREVIO´s first country reports based on the Istanbul Convention´s demanding requirements, reveal a discrepancy between policy standards and operative implementation. The Thesis’s innonvative character and main contribution lies in a theoretical perspective with a broader socio-cultural context and new instrumental empirical data from the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. Gender-sensitivity in the whole policy cycle is key to uphold the Human Rights of those affected by FGM/C, protect their wellbeing and contribute to their empowerment.

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“Forgotten victims of war”. Invisible, though stigmatised: the case of children born of wartime rape and conflict-related sexual violence

( 2020) Hermus, Nina ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Conflict-Related Sexual Violence has many disastrous consequences, yet one consequence that is systematically ignored is the children being born as a result from such violence. This research focuses on children born of wartime rape, the often “forgotten victims of war”. The aim of this study is to explore how the human rights of these children, enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, are compromised, while, additionally, identifying ways to rectify these violations and safeguard the child’s rights in an adequate way. This research adopts an innovative approach that sheds a light on four different cases: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Northern Uganda, Colombia and Myanmar. It examines in a comparative way key issues that affect the lives of these children. Stigmatisation, discrimination, statelessness, abuse, economic hardship and, at worst, infanticide; the findings reveal that the human rights of these children are systematically violated, irrespective of time and space. However, before analysing the multitude of violations on the human rights of children born of wartime rape, this research will begin with tackling the root cause of the issue: conflict-related sexual violence, too often falsely perceived as a mere by-product of war. This research will analyse this complex phenomenon by stepping away from the classical explanations of patriarchal culture, sexual desire or opportunity and will demonstrate on the basis of feminist discourse that conflict-related sexual violence not only has, but can be effectively be prevented.

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Framing a new paradigm for Irish abortion discourse: the move from deadlock to dialogue

( 2015) Nevin, Claire ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Hadjipavlou, Maria

This thesis seeks to frame a new paradigm for Irish abortion discourse that will facilitate movement on the issue from the existing static position of polarisation and deadlock. It is proposed that reconsideration of the issues in more sensitive, nuanced and balanced terms would do much to progress an increased awareness of, and ultimately compliance with, international reproductive rights norms. This thesis suggests that, in order to move from deadlock to real dialogue, access to abortion must be reconsidered not merely in terms of individual rights-based arguments but crucially, as a universal human rights issue incorporating a broader social-good context that is inextricably linked with healthcare, justice, gender, equality and the caring ethic. In order to advance this new paradigm shift, including a review of the complex and deep-rooted cultural and historical reasons for Ireland’s current position, it is important to analyse Irish abortion discourse from varying perspectives including power dynamics, feminism, humanitarianism, national identity-formation and international human rights law. The new dialogue-facilitating discursive paradigm proposed by this thesis is one that will consider abortion as a universal human right and a social good that is indivisible from justice, equality and access to healthcare. The introduction of care ethics and compassion into the discourse would enable such a framework to emerge.

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From financing of electoral campaign to corrupted democracy: implications for human rights

( 2007) Torres, Eliane do Rego ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Money plays an important role in every institution of our society. As a political mean, its influence can lead to corruption and undemocratic practices. The way funds are gathered in electoral campaign finance does not constitute any exception. Irregular electoral campaign finance regulations seriously affect and undermine the most fundamental values of democracy, namely due to the link between political parties, elections and democracy. This also generates implications to human rights. Therefore, steps need to be undertaken to suppress those negatives outcomes, such as strengthening courts, parliaments, electoral commissions and transparent party financing. The establishment of proper regulations is essential along with efficient monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. This study has revealed significant discrepancies among European member states. Although EU member states share the same principles and values, they do not apply them the same way. Some having comprehensive legislation and apply strict rules, while others do not . Empirical evidence indicates a need for a more efficient monitoring mechanism Europe wide. The combination of media attention, aware civil society and knowledgeable active NGOs seems the most accurate way to pressure improvements on human rights implications caused by irregular electoral campaign finance.

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From stigma to support: the international framework for children born of wartime rape

( 2024) Henriques, Carolina : Pires ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

This thesis aims to understand the role of the international community in the protection of children born of wartime rape (CBOW), the gaps in these protections, the difficulties and risks they experience, the existing solutions and means of protection and those that should exist. For a long time invisible, CBOW deserve to have their rights protected and defended like any other children. In order to effectively analyze this topic, this study begins by analyzing the phenomenon at the root of the problem: conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The way in which classical theories are no longer sufficient to understand the problem and view, the need to add other factors to the analysis of what really drives CRSV: the influence of armed organizations and different patterns of violence. Throughout the holistic and interdisciplinary approach adopted in this study, we have acknowledged some developments that deserve recognition in filling some of the protection gaps of CBOW, but we are forced to conclude that there is still a lot to be done to ensure that these children are treated as children, entitled to their rights.

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Handle with care : how to improve access to healthcare for deaf people in a pandemic

( 2021) Heinrici, Agnes ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Constantinides, Aristotelis

The Deaf community faces many barriers in the access to healthcare and is underrepresented both in politics and research. Although the legislations in European countries such as Austria, Switzerland and Germany provide the basis for the fulfilment of human rights including equal access to healthcare, there is a big implementation gap. In the Covid-19 pandemic, additional new challenges like the use of face masks, daily changing information and a higher mental health burden affected the Deaf. This thesis aims to investigate how Covid-19 policies concerning access to healthcare were experienced within the Deaf communities of Austria, Switzerland and Germany, and to identify potential areas of improvement. Based on the review of theoretical materials and existing research, an online survey was distributed to 120 participants within the Deaf community in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Overall, 85.3% study participants stated that Deaf persons generally have more difficulties in the access to healthcare than people with average hearing. In addition, 75.7% reported that the access to healthcare became even more difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic. Face masks, lack of awareness and insufficient information availability were identified as major challenges. The survey participants named concrete improvement measures like transparent face masks, more sign language interpreters, telehealth, education for medical staff, and increasing the amount of official information in sign language. These findings raised a series of issues concerning equal access to healthcare during the pandemic due to the limited availability of resources and information as well as limited representation of Deaf people in policy making. The current findings could help to guide future adaptations regarding the Covid-19 policies of Austria, Switzerland and Germany as well as of other countries and to enhance human rights compliance.

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Indigenous feminist pathways to sustainability : decolonizing global climate change policy and adaptation

( 2022) O'Carrol, Catherine ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

As the global climate emergency becomes increasingly dire, the world is looking for diverse and efficacious possibilities of resilience and adaptation. While being disproportionately impacted by the disastrous consequences of climate change, Indigenous feminist communities are active agents of change, leading the way in confronting the climate crisis by maintaining and rehabilitating ecosystems through holistic approaches to environmental management that are grounded in values of traditional ecological knowledge. This thesis engages with the lived experiences of Indigenous women across the globe through a decolonial feminist theoretical lens of analysis, examining cultural ecological interventions that emphasize ecocentric practices of climate rehabilitation and cultivate reciprocal systems of care in relation to nature. Utilizing a cross-cultural and decolonizing research methodology, this thesis traces the intersection of gender and indigeneity within global institutional sources such as UN Climate Change agreements and investigates the capacity of human rights frameworks and state-led environmental initiatives to protect and uphold the rights of Indigenous women. In order to build sustainable and gender-just futures, this thesis argues that true climate justice will require transnational collaboration to dismantle the current uneven power distribution of capitalist and neoliberal extractive industries and ensure the inclusive participation and representation of Indigenous Feminist cosmovision in climate decision-making spaces.

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Intimate partner violence and mental health: A pervasive, still invisible intersection

( 2021) Matias, Mafalda : Moreira da Cunha e Cabrita ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Panagakou, Stamatoula

Intimate partner violence is both a human rights and a public health concern. Despite the existing awareness of this reality, intimate partner violence numbers are still alarming all over the world. Moreover, domestic violence myths’ persistence fuels this phenomenon. These myths are stereotypical beliefs about intimate partner violence which legitimise violence, prevent women from speaking up and help to maintain patriarchy. Survivors of intimate partner violence are likely to suffer from physical as well as mental disorders. As such, these women are more likely to reach for the healthcare sector than non-abused women. Survivors’ mental health, however, is not treated equally to physical health, as it remains surrounded by stigma and discrimination despite its importance for a dignified life. My aim is to explore the extent to which intimate partner violence survivors’ mental health is disregarded, depriving these women of their capabilities instead of helping them, and to draw attention to this hidden matter. Although mainly focusing on a feminist perspective, this research derives from a combination of different theories necessary to grasp the complexity of the problem under discussion, and is anchored in the capabilities approach developed by Nussbaum and Sen. It is also developed through different methodologies: the desk research focused on the analysis of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women General Recommendation no. 24 and jurisprudential research of all cases regarding intimate partner violence. Interviews with intimate partner violence survivors were also conducted. Through this combination of methodologies, it was possible to confirm my hypothesis: that intimate partner violence survivors’ mental health is overlooked, and this might contribute to their secondary victimisation. Key words: Intimate partner violence; mental health; gender; domestic violence myths; capabilities; secondary victimisation; healthcare sector.

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The Kurdish spring, history in the making: where are the women?

( 2014) Hirvaskoski, Salome ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope ; Hadijpavlou, Maria

This study aims to examine to what extent Turkey, as a member state of the United Nations, and a European Union candidate country, has created an enabling environment for the enjoyment of human rights by women, specifically in the context of the current peace process between the Turkish government and the PKK. While significant improvements in the legal framework have taken place due to EU conditionality, the transformation of every day gender relations and advancement of gender equality has been modest. Poor implementation of the amended laws, the prevailing patriarchal value-system which does not encourage women´s participation in public life, traditional expectations of women´s role in society and family, and rigid gender roles all contribute to the situation. Focusing mainly in the field of employment, the EU conditionality can be seen as having failed to utilise its full potential for the transformation of gender regime in Turkey. There is no evidence of any consideration given for the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 in the current peace process, nor of acknowledgment of the need to address intersecting discriminations experienced by Kurdish women.

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Lost in legislation: peer sexual intimidation in secondary schools. A comparative study of France and the Netherlands

( 2020) Thomas, Megan ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Sexual intimidation between peers at secondary schools can have serious psychological effects on those targeted. Nevertheless, it is a severely underestimated phenomenon worldwide. This thesis, through a case study of France and the Netherlands, examines the lack of protection for children against sexual intimidation at school. It describes how this problem is excluded from French and Dutch legal frameworks and the failure to address it formally in the international human rights environment. Through an investigation of the legal frameworks, school policies and cultural challenges relating to this problem, this thesis maps out the black hole in which peer sexual intimidation disappears from the public eye. It does so by describing the structural neglect of the problem by school management, legal authorities and executive committees responsible for the implementation of international human rights conventions, as well as culturally embedded misconceptions about gender roles that may lead to the general downplaying or even acceptance of this form of sexual intimidation. There will also be a description of the problematic lack of action by schools and officials, which results in the tolerance of frequent violence on school premises. The tolerance of this phenomenon, which seems to target girls predominantly, leads to the violation of the right of girls to equal education, and a failure by the Dutch and French school systems to protect victims. Keywords: sexual intimidation, peer sexual intimidation, sexual abuse, sexual violence, adolescents, school, right to education, gender equality, school responsibility, underreported, policy gap.

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The pervasiveness of rape myths acceptance and the transformative potential of the Istanbul Convention. GREVIO’s contribution

( 2018) Daffara, Rachele ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

Millions of women are raped each year and perpetrators are rarely convicted and punished by criminal justice systems. Because of the social acceptance of “rape myths”, i.e. false and preconceived notions of how a rape survivor ‘should’ behave before, during and after an attack, rape survivors are often denigrated and blamed, while rapists’ violent tendencies are tacitly justified, accepted and normalized. Taking into specific account the importance of the entry into force of the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, this thesis will focus on the social pervasiveness of rape myths acceptance, its corrosive effect on society's ability to prosecute and convict rapists with the purpose to assess how the Convention has defined rape and to what extent it has contributed in creating a “European caring society” in which female rape survivors’ rights to access the justice system and to be equally treated and protected by the law have been recognized and effectively guaranteed. To evaluate the transformative potential of the Istanbul Convention, a comparative analysis exclusively focused on the Convention provisions concerning rape will be conducted taking into account the four national reports submitted by State Parties to GREVIO and the baseline country evaluations published by the monitoring body.

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Police treatment of migrants and the challenge of training on human rights and multicultural policing. The case of Greece and Cyprus

( 2015) Nikomani, Alexia ; Constantinides, Aristoteles ; Agapiou-Josephides, Kalliope

This research is examining whether or not and to which extent, Greek and Cypriot police forces get a proper and adequate training on human rights and multicultural policing. The first part of the research outlines the legal framework and the dominant perceptions concerning migrants in Greece and Cyprus. The second part is considering recorded cases of police misconduct against migrants and shortcomings in recording and addressing the racist crime and human trafficking, while also touching upon the issue of accountability and impunity. The third part is a comparative research on the systems of training on human rights and multicultural policing of the Greek and Cypriot police forces, followed by a presentation of the principles and standards on training on human rights and multicultural policing. According to the findings, the police reflect the prejudiced and xenophobic perceptions of their respective societies and they are often abusing the rights of migrants. Human rights and multicultural policing are not included in the curricula of the Greek Police Academy, whereas the Cypriot Police Academy is undergoing constant improvements on this context. The need for reform is essential, including the importance of committing in promoting human rights and building bridges of trust with migrant communities.

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