The proposed project will examine two aspects of gender relations in Afghanistan; (i) the role of women in processes of local governance, and ii) state intervention in cases of violence against women. The project will take the form of an institutional c ollaboration between the Chr. Michelsen Institute (Bergen) and the Cooperation for Peace and Unity (Kabul), thereby adding significant capacity in this area at both institutions. The project period is December 2009 to December 2012.