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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SUDAN: UNAMID Holds Discussion on Gender Issues

UNAMID today convened a preparatory workshop on women's issues at El Fasher University, North Darfur. The event brought together women from civil society organizations from 16 localities. The forum presented an overview of and discussion on United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325.

SUDAN: Women Peacekeepers in Darfur Share Their Experience

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.

DRC: UN to Reduce DR Congo Peace Force

However, it has delayed a decision on the full withdrawal of its 20,500-strong force, as sought by Congolese President Joseph Kabila, to next year.

The 15-member body unanimously adopted a resolution to withdraw the troops "where the security situation permits".

It also decided to retain a UN presence in DR Congo until 30 June 2011.

INTERNATIONAL: Wanted: More Women to Keep the Peace

The United Nations'goal of recruiting more women peacekeepers over the last 10 years has borne encouraging results, particularly in the rise of civilian officers. But as the Department of Peacekeeping Operation's deployment hits a record high – 116,000 personnel spread over four continents -- efforts have grown considerably to attract more women at all levels.

AFRICA: Security Council Faulted for Gender Hypocrisy

Ten years after a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at re-evaluating women's roles in U.N.-brokered peacekeeping efforts, women are still underrepresented in the peacekeeping process.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Côte d'Ivoire / UNOCI Educates Staff to Take the Gender Factor Into Consideration in its Peace-keeping Operations

The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Wednesday, 19 May 2010, began a three-day workshop in Korhogo, 580 km from Abidjan, to train and sensitise its staff on the theme: “Gender and peacekeeping operations” as part of activities to celebrate the second anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1820 scheduled in June 2010.

BANGLADESH: Bangladesh deploys female UN peacekeepers

For the first time, Bangladesh is going to send female police officers to a foreign UN peacekeeping mission.

Demand for Bangladeshi police officers by the UN for its peacekeeping missions is increasing because they are renowned for their professionalism.

Bangladesh police first sent officers to the UN peacekeeping mission in in Namibia in 1989.

DRC: U.N. fears Congo pullout will hurt fight against rape

Congolese laws against sexual violence are not being implemented and a withdrawal of United Nations peacekeepers from the country would make the struggle against endemic rape "a lot more difficult," the U.N. said.

DRC: UN Helps Women Fight Under-Representation in Government

1 April 2010 –The United Nations is boosting the efforts of women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to overcome decades of low female participation in politics and achieve their rightful role in governing the vast African country and rebuilding it after years of civil war.

LIBERIA: Kenyan UN Peacekeepers Earn Glowing Medals in Liberia

Kenyan peacekeepers were today awarded UN medals for their contributions to peace in Liberia, which they have made through mentoring Liberia's police, corrections and immigration sectors.

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