An Analysis of Chapter Six of the Global Study: Keeping the Peace in an Increasingly Militarised World.

By Madison Chapman

A United Nations female peacekeeper (UN Photo)

Chapter six of the Global Study addresses challenges of militarism for peace. It recognises the importance of reducing military action in conflict zones, and offers recommendations for protecting and building the capacity of women female peacekeepers when deployment takes place. Chapter six focuses on how female participation can reduce instances of armed violence and sexual abuse, and promote sustained peace in conflict zones. While more women have entered peacekeeping operations since the advent of UNSCR 1325,  women still comprise less than 3% of overall UN Missions, and often serve in support or clerical capacities (Global Study, 2015, 139). 

Below are some of the main highlights and recommendations from this chapter in the Global Study.

Facts and Figures:

  • Annual military expenditures have increased by 60% in the last 15 years, demonstrating a notable (and problematic) turn to military action and a step away from peaceful solutions (Global Study, 2015, 134).
  • According to the Global Study, female participation and leadership offer crucial protection and prevention, by not only  increasing security for women and girls, but by empowering, strengthening, and equipping women to protect themselves through peaceful means and promote disarmament (Global Study, 2015, 152).
  • Research demonstrates that when women are involved in military deployments, substantially fewer instances of misconduct, overzealous or inappropriate use of force, and improper use of weapons follow (Global Study, 2015, 143).

Key recommendations:

  • Ensure gender-responsive budgeting and financial tracking of investments on gender equality in missions by engaging peacekeeping budget experts and planning officers, and gender-responsive budget experts  (Global Study, 2015, 156).
  • Take steps to improve oversight of all private contractors hired by the UN with regards to sexual exploitation and abuse, including the review and implementation of guidelines to regulate these companies  (Global Study, 2015, 157).
  • Commit to doctrines that consider the impact of every military action and operation on women and girls (Global Study, 2015, 156).
  • Scale up support to UCP in conflict-affected countries, including working alongside peace operations (Global Study, 2015, 157).
  • Provide all UN peacekeepers with extensive pre-deployment deployment training on issues related to gender equality, using scenarios as a tool for learning (Global Study, 2015, 156).
  • Restrict countries that fail to investigate and prosecute peacekeepers with a history of sexual violence from sending personnel to PKOs, and initiate an international criminal tribunal for perpetrators of sexual assault within the DPKO (Global Study, 2015, 156).

For more information, see UN Women’s Global Study Factsheets or the entire Global Study on Women, Peace and Security.