Won STK Prize for thesis about male victims of war

Wahl's thesis looks at whether male victims are actually visible in this media coverage of the war in Ukraine. 

– Discussions about conflict-related sexual violence usually focus on women and girls, even though male victims make up a substantial number of documented cases. So I wanted to examine what happens to male victims in these narratives. I explored not only whether men are mentioned, but also how their stories are told compared to female survivors, says Wahl. 

Antonella Wahl was one of ten nominees for STK Prize for best master's thesis or professional study with a gender perspective submitted at the University of Oslo in 2025. 

The prize is awarded every year and is meant to highlight the importance of a gender perspective in research at master's level across faculties and fields at the UiO. 

Male victims less included

Her study shows that men are sometimes included in the coverage, but usually only briefly and without personal stories. This makes them less visible to the public and affects how we recognize victims in human rights discussions, Wahl emphasizes.

– Your thesis argue that feminist and gendersensitive research must be gender-inclusive to avoid reproducing underlying gender-based hierarchies. In what way do You want Your thesis to contribute to the gender research field in light of this finding?

– Ideally I want to contribute to gender research by promoting a more gender-inclusive perspective that questions rigid gender norms rather than unintentionally reinforcing them. I argue that the same patriarchal structures that frame women primarily as passive victims also make it difficult for men to be recognized as victims, often pushing them into silence and shame, Wahl says. 

– Widen the lens

She underlines that the inclusion of male survivors is not a challenge to feminist work, but rather an extension of feminist and human rights principles toward a more universal recognition. 

– In this way, I wish that my thesis can contribute to broaden how vulnerability, victimhood, and justice are understood within gender research.

– What reaction and actions do You anticipate from western media if and when editors and journalists read about or read Your thesis?

– In a perfect world, I'd hope that editors and journalists would become more curious and open to questioning established narratives around conflict-related sexual violence. The information and the survivors are already there, and more inclusive reporting could help make overlooked experiences visible and reduce stigma. By widening the lens on who is seen as a victim, media coverage could contribute to more nuanced public conversations. Change may take time, but media has strong potential to shape understanding in a more inclusive way.

– What does it mean for You to receive the STK Prize?

– Honestly, receiving the STK Prize is such an honor. I did not expect it, and it feels really rewarding after all the work and thought I put into my thesis. I also think the STK Prize itself is a great initiative, and I hope that by recognizing research like mine, it encourages more critical and inclusive approaches in the field. It’s really motivating to see that this kind of work is valued.