Enhancing the Protection of Civilians through Greater Participation of Women in Peace Operations
This resource was submitted as part of the 1325+10 PeaceWomen initiative to compile a repository of papers dealing with a broad range of issues around the implementation of 1325, as part of the Women, Peace and Security: From Resolution to Action Geneva High-Level Consultation 15-16 September 2010, Geneva.
This paper will examine the contribution of female peacekeepers to the protection of civilians, in particular of women and girls, from sexual violence. The paper will first discuss the normative framework surrounding the participation of women in peace operations and protection from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The paper will then examine the operational value of female police and military officers in peace operations in general and on protection more specifically. The paper will also briefly explore the ongoing challenge of increasing the participation of women. The paper will conclude with a number of recommendations for increasing the participation of women in peace operations.