Abstract
Earth observation has become an important tool for documenting the impacts of armed conflict on social-ecological systems, including damage to civilian infrastructure, agricultural systems, and ecosystems. Because earth observation provides systematic and reproducible observations, it is often presented as an objective and neutral source of evidence. However, while satellites can detect physical changes on the ground, they cannot reveal how these changes are experienced by affected populations. In this perspective, we argue that satellite-based assessments of conflict impacts should be interpreted through a gender-aware lens. Drawing on literature from gender and conflict studies, we contextualise examples of earth observation research on agricultural change and building destruction to demonstrate how satellite-observed patterns may have different implications for women and men. Agricultural damage, land abandonment, and changes in cultivation can affect labour burdens, livelihoods, and food security in gender-specific ways, while the destruction of homes and public infrastructure may intensify vulnerabilities related to safety, health, displacement, and access to essential services. These dimensions remain largely invisible in satellite imagery alone. We argue that satellite-based damage assessments should be understood as partial representations of conflict impacts whose meaning depends on social context. Integrating insights from gender research, local knowledge, and participatory approaches can help reveal experiences hidden within the pixels and contribute to more comprehensive conflict assessments and humanitarian responses, as well as more inclusive peacebuilding efforts.
