The Departments of Political Science and International Studies will be presenting a special International Women’s Day lecture:

How do we talk about military sexual violence & why does it matter?

Presenter: Megan MacKenzie, Professor & Simons Chair in International Law & Human Security

This presentation will include research from a multi-year comparative research project on military sexual violence in Canada, the U.S., and Australia. It will focus on “rape myths,” or “prejudicial, stereotyped or false beliefs about rape, rape victims, and rapists,” (Burt 1980) that are prevalent in media coverage of MSV. This builds on a body of feminist scholarship pointing to the gendered politics of public discussions of civilian sexual assault and violence and the prevalence of myths, such as “she was asking for it,” and “women often lie”. Drawing on the comparative media analysis of three case countries, this presentation will explore myths unique to MSV, including those that focus on military culture, and the exceptional nature of military workplaces. Finally, this presentation will make the case that the ways we talk about MSV matter and have broad implications, including in shaping wider gender norms and national identity.

Registration closes March 7, 2021 at 5 p.m.