SUDAN: Women Peacekeepers in Darfur Share Their Experience

Date: 
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Source: 
United Nations Radio
Countries: 
Africa
Eastern Africa
Sudan
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Peacekeeping

Since the Security Council passed Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, there has been a push to recruit more women peacekeepers over the last 10 years. The effect has been positive with women acting as positive role models in post-conflict societies. Jocelyne Sambira reports.

NARR: Darfur is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world, and so far, 24 United Nations peacekeepers have been killed as a result of hostile actions. But women like Tonia Chapman from the US joined to make a difference, and are not deterred by the violence.

TONIA: Honestly, I am not afraid. Perhaps I should be to some degrees because I mean we would not be here if there wasn't some type of difficulties but myself, my type of personality, unless something bad happened, no I am not afraid to be here.

NARR: Elfrida Maddy is from Sierra Leone and therefore knows what it's like to live in a war zone. She is not indifferent to the dangers of being in Darfur.

ELFRIDA: Actually as in, it creates some impact really but me I trust God. I know God owns my life and no one can take it unless it is His will. So let it be.

NARR: Tonia Chapman has been with the UN for 13 years and has served in previous missions like Afghanistan and East Timor. She explains how Darfur is different.

TONIA: This is the desert, it is much larger mission. It is much more complex to be here because it is very large, very many people. It is a combination between African Union and UN which makes it quite different. We have many new people from outside the UN on the ground, so it makes a little more complex.

NARR: Tonia is also a mother of 5 and grandmother to 9. But she is married to a Sudanese which, she tells UN Radio's Stella Vuzo, makes it easier to fit in.

TONIA: They call me sister in law. Yes, I think they do accept me a little quicker because I am married to one of them. It makes them comfortable.

VUZO: What do they tell you?

TONIA: Oh, they tell me tamam tamam (laughter)

VUZO: Meaning what?

TONIA: Fine, fine (laughter) I think they like me in general but that makes them like me just a little bit more.

NARR: As for Elfrida, she is a single mom and has left behind a daughter in Sierra Leone. Her mom passed away recently making her the sole breadwinner. Regardless of her situation, she feels she is in the right place.

ELFRIDA: Back home, it was very terrible. And now I see myself as somebody who has to contribute to bring peace to Darfur.

NARR: Tonia echoes this view and explains how she is making a difference through her work.

TONIA: By having local vendors who have contracts with us, by paying them, by helping there to be a supply of money out on the economy, it does help bring peace. People who are well fed, who have money in their pockets don't tend to need to fight or want to fight. They live better lives. They are quite happy to stay home and live well.

NARR: Tonia Chapman, civilian peacekeeper working for the UN Mission in Darfur, UNAMID. She was interviewed along with her colleague from Sierra Leone, Elfrida Maddy by UNAMID's Stella Vuzo.

Producer: Jocelyne Sambira
Duration: 2'32"