Peacekeeping

The Peacekeeping theme focuses on a gendered approach to multi-dimensional peacekeeping missions, predominantly through gender mainstreaming of peace support operations and the increase of female recruitment in peacekeeping, military, and police.

The Security Council calls for an increase in the number of women in peacekeeping operations (1325,OP6).

It is also important to note that the issues of gender and peacekeeping should never be reduced to the number of women recruited as peacekeepers. Promoting security is about providing real human security for the population, not about the militarisation of women. The point is not to achieve gender parity for its own sake, but rather to draw on the unique and powerful contribution women can make to peacekeeping.

The Security Council commits to include a gender component in UN field operations (1325,OP5), and requests that the Secretary-General’s reports to include information on the progress of gender mainstreaming within each operation (1325,OP17). Without a gender perspective, it is almost impossible to adequately create an inclusive security, which forms the basis of promoting sustainable and durable peace. Gender training, pre-deployment, on the ground, and post-deployment is effective for ensuring peacekeeping personnel have sufficient knowledge and skills.

Peacekeeping missions are increasingly being mandated to address sexual violence (1960,OP10), and training can increase the prevention, recognition, and response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (1820,OP6). The implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda varies greatly among Peacekeeping Operations. This variation is a result of the peacekeeping mission’s mandates and also structure, leadership, funding, whether there is a designation of a separate unit to address gender, and the number of gender advisors. These key gaps were highlighted in DPKO’s Ten-Year Impact Study on Implementation of Resolution 1325 in Peacekeeping.


These measures can trigger positive changes for women within conflict and post-conflict situations, such as increased physical security, employment-related benefits, capacity building for local women’s organisations, and increased awareness of women’s rights. Additionally, positive role models and examples of women’s leadership have a positive effect on the environment and contribute to the success of peacekeeping missions.

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RWANDA/COTE D'IVOIRE: UN Commends Rwandan Women Peacekeepers in Ivory Coast

The United Nations police adviser, Ann-Marie Orler, has welcomed the arrival of Rwanda's female police contingent in Ivory Coast.

The contingent of 15 female police officers is the first police unit to serve with the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) since it was established in 2004 by the Security Council to facilitate the peace process in the country.

INTERNATIONAL: All-Female Peacekeeping Unit Highlights Role of Women in Facilitating Peace and Security

With today's challenges, UN peacekeepers continue to play an essential role in furthering global peace and stability. Supporting these efforts is the United States' Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI). GPOI has worked tirelessly to build the peacekeeping capacity of countries currently contributing or preparing to contribute forces to global peacekeeping operations.

AFRICA: More Women Needed in Peacekeeping Missions

The Senior Police Advisor to the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASFCOM), Torbjorn Sande, has called on regional countries to emulate Rwanda by deploying more women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions.

He made the call while opening a two-week long peacekeeping course organised by the United Nations and EASFCOM at Gishari Police Training School in Rwamagana district.

AFGHANISTAN: Women Soldiers' Role in Afghan Frontline Villages Caught on Camera

The decade-long war in Afghanistan has been the focus of countless books and exhibitions, but there is one view of the conflict that has not been described well – until now.

MACEDONIA: Balkan Women a Key Factor for Peace Building

"I have been always interested in helicopters and planes," Matic said. "I have been always interested in this adrenalin-charged and also very noble work, because we help people and we take part in defending the peace and the stability of the country."

RWANDA: More Women Heed Call for Peacekeeping

For the past few years, Rwanda has been making global headlines for its outstanding role in providing the much-needed females in various peacekeeping missions in the world.

"I will miss my family very much...and then there is fear associated with a new environment," she told The New Times in an interview.

TIMOR-LESTE: Peacekeeping Drawdown Begins

The United Nations Integrated Mission (UNMIT) in Timor-Leste began in 2006 after a mutiny by soldiers and a breakdown of order led the government to request international support.In terms of the mission's Joint Transition Plan, UNMIT will withdraw if the parliamentary elections are conducted in line with international standards and without major violence. Two rounds of presidential elections in March and April both took place peacefully.

PAKISTAN: Building a Bridge

Peace building efforts between India and Pakistan are not for bilateral talks at the diplomatic level alone. People-to-people contact, as they have been saying, is vital.

NEPAL: Implementing Locally – Inspiring Globally: 1325 Localization in Nepal

GNWP is back in Nepal for part two of its Localization and United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 program, first instigated here in Nepal, in June 2011

INTERNATIONAL: AFRICOM's Women, Peace and Security Conference Ends

United States Africa Command's Women, Peace and Security - Lessons Learned in Peacekeeping conference concluded August 24 at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center.

The three-day conference presented the nearly 40 attendees opportunities to increase awareness, facilitate dialogue, and develop practical lessons learned in regards to WPS considerations in peacekeeping operations.

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