Women can benefit from war in certain circumstances, says Prof Yadav

Professor Punam Yadav of University College London delivered an inaugural lecture arguing that while women are primary victims of war, conflict can create opportunities for social, economic, and political transformation. Using Nepal's Civil War as an example, where women comprised nearly a third of Maoist combatants, she highlighted the emergence of new social categories like war widows and ex-combatants. Professor Yadav noted significant shifts, such as widows challenging traditional norms and increased female political participation, exemplified by Bidya Devi Bhandari's presidency and the high percentage of women in local government, while acknowledging the persistence of patriarchal structures.