Women in peacekeeping

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Women in peacekeeping refers to the participation and roles of women in peacekeeping missions around the world. Peacekeeping missions are typically organized by international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union, among others. The inclusion of women in these missions has been recognized as essential for the effectiveness and success of peacekeeping operations.

History

The involvement of women in peacekeeping has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, peacekeeping was predominantly a male-dominated field. However, the importance of gender diversity in peacekeeping missions has gained recognition, leading to increased efforts to recruit and deploy women in various capacities.

Roles and Contributions

Women in peacekeeping serve in various roles, including military, police, and civilian positions. Their contributions are vital in several areas:

• **Protection of Civilians**: Women peacekeepers are often more approachable to local women and children, which can be crucial in gathering intelligence and providing protection.
• **Gender-Based Violence**: Female peacekeepers play a critical role in addressing and preventing gender-based violence in conflict zones.
• **Community Engagement**: Women are effective in engaging with local communities, fostering trust, and promoting peace and reconciliation.

Challenges

Despite the recognized benefits, women in peacekeeping face several challenges:

• **Gender Bias**: Women often encounter gender bias and discrimination within peacekeeping forces.
• **Safety and Security**: Female peacekeepers may face additional security risks, including sexual harassment and assault.
• **Underrepresentation**: Women remain underrepresented in peacekeeping missions, particularly in leadership positions.

International Efforts

Several international initiatives aim to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping:

• **UN Security Council Resolution 1325**: Adopted in 2000, this resolution emphasizes the importance of women's participation in peace and security efforts.
• **UN Women**: This organization works to promote gender equality and empower women, including in peacekeeping contexts.
• **Elsie Initiative**: Launched by the Government of Canada, this initiative aims to increase the number of women in peace operations.

Impact

The inclusion of women in peacekeeping has been shown to improve mission effectiveness, enhance the protection of civilians, and contribute to more sustainable peace. Studies have indicated that peace agreements are more likely to last when women are involved in the peace process.

Related Pages

• Peacekeeping
• United Nations
• Gender equality
• Gender-based violence
• UN Women
• UN Security Council Resolution 1325