The Russo-Ukrainian War: How Energy Insecurity Fuels the Global Gender Imbalance

by Dr. Grace Hoffman

 

Since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War in February 2022, countries have felt ripple effects caused by their dependence on Russian oil. Europe has been particularly impacted by their dependence on Russian energy, and is consequently, rethinking its reliance on certain energy sources. The significance of the energy sector and the need for alternative sources has become increasingly apparent for Europe’s economy. However, the overreliance on Russian oil may also affect gender inequality and non-European countries’ peace and security for years to come.

Women, Peace, and Security

In 2000, the United Nations adopted Security Resolution 1325, which established the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) international agenda. In 2017, the WPS Act codified the agenda into U.S. law. WPS recognizes the disproportionate effect of conflict and violence on women and girls as well as the important role women play in peace and security. Research shows a direct connection between the treatment and empowerment of women and girls at the household level and a country’s stability and likelihood to enter conflict. In fact, high sex inequality makes a nation twice as likely to be a fragile state, 3.5 times more likely to have an autocratic and corrupt government, 1.5 times more likely to be unstable and violent, and 1.3 times more likely to experience terrorism.[1] Simply put, the treatment and role of women and girls in society directly correlates with a country’s long-term peace and security.

Inseparable Connections

Today, the treatment of women and girls at the household level may be directly impacted by increasing gas prices and food shortages caused by the reliance on Russian energy. In African countries such as Somalia, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, gas prices have greatly increased, as have food prices where communities rely on trucks to deliver food. Maureen Miruka, the CARE Kenya Country Director, noted that Kenyan women will be greatly affected, noting that “Whenever incomes in homes are negatively impacted, we have always noted an increase in gender-based violence against women.”.[2]

What Might the Future Hold?

WPS acknowledges that violence against women impacts the long-term stability of the communities and countries. It destabilizes communities and limits women’s ability to meaningfully participate in society. What will this mean for countries where violence against women increases as gas prices and food shortages increase?

Overdependence on energy from Russia is a sharp reminder of the need for innovation in the energy sector and for alternative and diverse energy sources, and the need for this may reach far beyond Europe’s economic concerns. While continents and countries recognize direct immediate effects, the possible long-term and indirect effects of energy insecurity on women and girls and therefore peace and security cannot be overlooked.

[1] https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1a02/327babfb20be0982b5154e40c0ca5695cb3b.pdf
[2] https://www.care-international.org/news/ukraine-conflict-soaring-food-and-fuel-prices-threaten-wellbeing-millions-east-central-and

 

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10 STEPS TO HELP YOU TRANSFORM INTO AN EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT

By Leezan Omerbell

 

Government consulting is a big industry. Luckily for you, the industry is not as mysterious as some make it out to be. In fact, it is a profession with very clear expectations and requirements. Most of these expectations are based on common sense that are also shared across other industries. The requirements are tied to your contract’s scope of work, which requires no guessing. However, I would like to point out that there are a lot of consultants providing almost the exact same service as you are planning to provide. In other words, there are thousands of “you.” So, how do you distinguish yourself from the rest? Through lessons learned at Country Intelligence Group, we have compiled a list of the most important things to practice and keep in mind when providing service to your government client:

  1. Understand your client’s organization: Study and understand your client’s organization by researching where their organization falls within the government framework. For example, the Department of Defense is large and contains not only the Military Services but also the Combatant, Geographical, and Functional Commands, as well as the 4th Estates. So, if your client is a DoD “agency,” it falls under the 4th Estates. In addition, research the organization’s mission and how they relate to other DoD and non-DoD entities.
  2. Know the Stakeholders: Knowing the stakeholders is crucial to being a consultant. Pay attention to who the stakeholders are, both internally and externally. Do your due diligence and conduct a stakeholder analysis to understand each stakeholder’s interest, influence, and future participation in your client’s program or project.
  3. Pay attention to the internal culture: This one sound obvious but can be easily overlooked. Pay attention to the internal culture of your client’s organization. This will help you navigate any vague or sensitive situations you might encounter.
  4. Study the rank and grades: If you don’t come from a military background, it would be beneficial for you to study military ranks that are applicable to your client’s organization and stakeholders. It would also be beneficial to learn civilian grades and their military equivalent.
  5. Identify the decision makers: Your client is going to depend on you to help strategize and communicate level of efforts with individuals throughout the organization and across the stakeholder domain. For this purpose, you need to be able to map out and identify decision makers within the crowd. This is where you can help your client make impactful engagements.
  6. Remember, we only “recommend”: This one can be difficult for many to understand. Your job as a consultant is to recommend solutions and options to your client. That is it.
  7. Listen: I am sure you have heard this multiple times, but it really is an overlooked interpersonal skill. If you want to understand your client and their pain points, really listen to what they are saying and even to what they are not saying.
  8. Always follow up: When turning in a product or providing a recommendation, always follow up with your client. Ask questions to figure what whether the product met their expectations or if they have any feedback for you. Did your recommendation cover the pain point or was there an angle you missed? Take this feedback, implement the changes (if any), and re-engage.
  9. You are not part of the staff: Remember, you are not part of the extended staff. You are a hired consultant.
  10. Remain Professional: Always, always, always, remain professional. You are not part of the staff and should not take part in office gossip. This will be hard if staff members come to you and begin such a conversation. But just because they do, does not mean you should contribute to an unprofessional gossip session.

Your value to your client is that you are a consultant with a wide range of expertise to provide. Wear your badge of honor with pride and take lead in the government consulting world!

 

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