GENDER in UNPKO

Previous Year Question

Why is Gender equality key in Peacekeeping ? What strategies can be implemented to improve the safety and well
being of female peacekeepers deployed in conflict zones ?

One of the biggest challenges for peacekeepers today is to treat men and women fairly and to make sure
they do not take advantage of or abuse local people—especially in sexual ways. In recent years, many
cases have shown that some peacekeepers behaved badly, and this has damaged the reputation of the
United Nations (UN).
Historical Context and Institutional Deficiencies
Some of the worst cases happened in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and
Liberia, where peacekeepers were involved in sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). But these
problems are not new. For example, in Cambodia (UNTAC mission, 1992–93), peacekeepers were
already involved in such actions, including helping to grow the local sex trade. Sadly, the UN did not take
it seriously at the time. One UN official even called it just “boys being boys,” which shows the issue was
ignored.
It was not until 2003 that the UN made official rules saying peacekeepers must not engage in SEA. Now,
the UN realizes that bad behavior by peacekeepers can not only harm local victims but also damage
the UN’s image around the world.
The UN also understands that conflict affects men and women differently. For example, women and
girls often suffer more during war. The UN formally recognized this in Resolution 1325 (2000), which
talks about the need to protect women in conflict and involve them in peace efforts. Even though peace
operations are meant to help people feel safer, they have sometimes done the opposite. In some cases,
they have caused more problems, like: Rising prostitution, Human trafficking, Spread of diseases like
HIV/AIDS.
Because of this, people are asking: What kind of person makes a good peacekeeper? Military soldiers
may be trained for war, but peacekeeping needs different skills—like understanding local people and
acting fairly. So, many now believe that we need more civilians and more women in peacekeeping
roles. Also, every UN mission should include a “gender perspective”—which means paying attention
to how peace efforts affect men and women differently.
The Problem: Unintended Consequences and Institutional Harm
While mandated to enhance security, UN peace operations have, at times, produced severe negative
consequences for host populations. Key issues include:
* Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA): There is a documented history of peacekeepers engaging in
SEA, contributing to local prostitution, and participating in human trafficking. These actions directly
harm the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, whom the missions are meant
to protect.
*Economic and Health Impacts: The presence of peacekeepers has been linked to adverse economic
effects and the spread of diseases, notably HIV/AIDS, further destabilizing fragile post-conflict
environments.
*Reputational Damage: Widespread reports of SEA, particularly from high-profile missions in the
Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia, have severely tarnished the reputation and legitimacy of the
United Nations as a whole.
 Gender, Armed Conflict, and Peace Operations
Gender has become an essential topic in discussions about peace and security. In the context of peace
operations, understanding gender helps explain how war affects people differently based on social roles,
not just biological sex. This report explores how gender, armed conflict, and peacekeeping are
connected, and why including women in peace processes is crucial for sustainable peace.

Understanding Gender
Gender refers to the social expectations and roles given to individuals based on whether they are seen
as male or female. It is different from sex, which is based on biological differences. Gender shapes how
societies view behaviors as "masculine" or "feminine" and influences how people experience conflict
and violence.

Gender and Armed Conflict

Historically, war has impacted men and women differently. Women and girls have often suffered from
sexual violence during conflicts. In recent years, reports have also shown that men and boys can be
victims. Sexual violence in war is used to harm, control, and terrorize populations. It can happen in
several ways: As a planned war tactic, Due to the collapse of legal systems, Or as random criminal acts
during chaos.

The Role of Peacekeepers and Sexual Exploitation

In many modern conflicts, peacekeepers have been deployed to protect civilians. However, in several
cases, peacekeepers have been involved in sexual exploitation and abuse. For example, in Sierra Leone,
Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), many women and girls were victims of such
abuse. Some even had to engage in “survival sex” — exchanging sex for food, shelter, or safety. These
situations showed the failure of some peacekeeping operations to protect the vulnerable.

Women as Agents of Peace

Although women are often viewed as victims of war, they also play active roles in building peace.
Women’s organizations contribute to conflict resolution, community rebuilding, and social healing.
Therefore, women must be seen as agents of change, not just people in need of protection.

UN Resolution 1325 and Its Significance

In 2000, the United Nations adopted Security Council Resolution 1325, which marked a major step
forward in addressing gender issues in peace and security. It called on all member states to:
1. Increase women's participation in peace processes,
2. Include gender perspectives in peacekeeping training,
3. Protect women and girls in conflict zones,
4. Include gender issues in UN reports and programs.
This resolution acknowledged that men and women experience war differently and that women’s
involvement is vital to building lasting peace.

Earlier Gender Efforts by the UN

Before Resolution 1325, the UN had taken several steps to support women's rights. These included:
 The 1975 International Women’s Year,
 The UN Decade for Women (1976–1985),
 The 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
 The 1995 Beijing Declaration from the Fourth World Conference on Women.
These initiatives laid the foundation for a gender-sensitive approach to international peace and security.
Progress Since Resolution 1325
Since 2000, many countries have developed national plans to support Resolution 1325. Reports and
open debates at the UN level have helped raise awareness. However, challenges remain:
 Women still make up a small percentage of peacekeeping personnel,
 Few women hold top leadership roles in peace missions.
For instance, out of more than 60 UN peace operations, only 7 have been led by women.

Conclusion Gender plays a critical role in understanding how conflict and peacekeeping affect different
people. While important progress has been made through Resolution 1325 and other UN efforts, more
needs to be done. Increasing women’s participation in peace operations and leadership positions is
essential for making peacekeeping more effective, fair, and respectful of human rights.

Unintended Consequences of Peace Operations

Introduction

Peace operations are supposed to bring peace, safety, and support to countries suffering from war. However,
they don’t always work out the way they are planned. Sometimes, peacekeepers cause new problems without
meaning to. These are called unintended consequences — unexpected effects that were not planned by the
people who sent the peacekeepers. Some of these effects can be very harmful, especially to women and girls.
This report looks at three major problems that have come from some peacekeeping missions:
1. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA),
2. The spread of HIV/AIDS,
3. The failure to involve women as peacebuilders.

Why Peacekeeping Sometimes Causes Harm

Peacekeepers are often soldiers trained for war. But peacebuilding is different from fighting. It requires
patience, understanding, fairness, and respect for local people. These qualities are not always part of
military training. As a result, some peacekeepers act in harmful ways, including:
 Abusing their power,  Taking part in sexual violence,
 Treating locals unfairly,  Participating in illegal trade and crime.
In some places, peacekeepers even made people feel less safe, instead of more protected.

Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) in Peace Operations

Introduction
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) refers to situations where people in power, like peacekeepers, take
advantage of vulnerable individuals—often women and children—for sexual purposes. In many peacekeeping
missions, SEA has been a serious problem and has damaged the reputation of the United Nations (UN).

What is SEA?
According to the UN, SEA includes:  Physical sexual abuse, even if there is no
 Any use of power or trust to gain sexual physical force used.
favors. These actions are considered abuse because the
 Sexual acts involving minors or people in local people often cannot say "no" due to poverty,
desperate situations. fear, or dependence on the peacekeepers.

Examples of SEA in Peacekeeping

SEA has been reported in several UN missions, including in: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
Liberia, Timor-Leste. In some cases, peacekeepers engaged in sex with minors, traded food or aid for sex, or
visited brothels regularly. For example, in Timor-Leste, peacekeepers increased the size of the sex industry and
some fathered children with local women but refused to support them.
Why SEA Happens
SEA often happens due to:
 Power imbalance between peacekeepers and local people.
 Poverty, which forces some locals to trade sex for food or protection.
 Lack of accountability, where peacekeepers are not punished properly.
 Military culture, which sometimes encourages silence or dismisses abuse.

UN Response: The UN has taken steps to stop SEA, such as:

 Banning sexual contact with locals during missions,
 Creating conduct rules and investigation systems,
 Repatriating (sending home) peacekeepers found guilty.
Still, many cases go unreported, and victims are often left without justice.

Conclusion: SEA is a major challenge in peace operations. It harms individuals, weakens missions, and damages
the image of the UN. More training, accountability, and local protections are needed to ensure peacekeepers
protect—not exploit—the people they are sent to help.

The Spread of HIV/AIDS and Peace Operations

Introduction: One major concern related to peacekeeping missions is the possible link between the arrival of
peacekeepers and the spread of HIV/AIDS in host countries. While some believe peacekeepers increase infection
rates, others argue that the evidence is unclear. This report explores the debate and the possible causes.

Concerns About Peacekeepers and HIV/AIDS

In several peacekeeping missions, local communities feared that the presence of international troops led to a
rise in HIV infections. For example:
 In Cambodia, during the UNTAC mission (1992–1993), the number of sex workers increased sharply,
and many blamed peacekeepers for spreading the virus.
 Similar concerns were raised in Sierra Leone, Kosovo, and the DRC.

Some governments even demanded mandatory HIV testing for peacekeepers and foreign staff.

What the Evidence Says

 Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that HIV rates were already rising
before peacekeepers arrived.

 In Cambodia, the biggest jump in infections happened before the UN mission began.
 In Sierra Leone, the infection rate grew steadily, but not dramatically, during peacekeeping
deployment.
So far, no strong data proves that peacekeepers are the main cause of HIV spread.

Why the Concern Exists

 Some peacekeepers engage in unprotected sex, including with sex workers.
 There is unequal access to health care and a lack of proper HIV testing before deployment.
 Poor local conditions (such as poverty and sex-for-survival) increase health risks for both locals and
peacekeepers.
Conclusion: While some peacekeepers may have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS, there is no clear
proof that peacekeeping missions cause widespread infection. However, the fear and mistrust this creates can
harm the relationship between peacekeepers and local communities. Better health screening, education, and
strict conduct rules are needed to address this issue.
 Ignoring Women as Peacebuilders in Peace Operations
Introduction
Although women are deeply affected by war and often work to rebuild their communities, they are frequently
left out of formal peace processes. This exclusion weakens peacebuilding efforts and ignores the important role
women play in achieving lasting peace.
The Problem
Even after the UN adopted Resolution 1325 in 2000—which called for women to be included in peace and
security efforts—few women have been invited to peace negotiations or decision-making roles in conflict
zones.Some common (but weak) excuses include:
1. Peace talks are “not the place” to discuss gender issues.
2. Local leaders don’t bring women to the table, and outsiders don’t want to interfere.
3. Peace agreements are assumed to be “gender neutral.”
4. Women don’t lead armed groups, so they are seen as less important.
These excuses overlook the fact that gender equality is a key part of building a fair and stable peace.

Why Women Matter in Peacebuilding

 Women lead community recovery, care for families, and help stop violence.
 In countries like Afghanistan, women’s participation in decision-making increased due to international
support.
 Women’s organizations often push for education, health, and justice, which are critical for long-term
peace.
Ignoring women’s voices means missing out on effective solutions and the chance to create inclusive and
stable societies.

Conclusion: Leaving women out of peace processes is a major failure of many peacekeeping missions. Women
are not just victims—they are essential agents of peace. To build stronger peace, the UN and global leaders
must make sure women are included, heard, and empowered at every stage of peacebuilding.

"Other Unintended Effects of Peace Operations"

Introduction: Peace operations are designed to bring safety, security, and support to countries affected by war.
However, in some cases, these missions have also caused unexpected and harmful side effects. These are called
unintended consequences. While not planned, they can damage the lives of local people and reduce trust in
peacekeeping efforts.
Unintended Problems Caused by Peacekeepers
Some of the key problems include:
 Organized Crime: In places like Bosnia, peacekeepers were linked to illegal markets that sold drugs,
weapons, and sex services. These markets grew around large peacekeeping bases and attracted criminal
activity.
 Prostitution: The arrival of peacekeepers in large numbers often led to a rise in brothels and sex
work, especially near UN camps.
 Corruption: Some peacekeepers were involved in illegal trading, bribery, and helping smuggle goods.
These actions made people question whether peacekeepers were truly there to help.
These effects damaged the trust between local people and the United Nations (UN) and harmed the global
image of peacekeeping missions.

Why These Problems Happen

Experts have identified several reasons:
1. Military Culture
Most peacekeepers are trained soldiers. Military culture focuses on strength, obedience, and
discipline—not on compassion, fairness, or gender sensitivity. This can make it harder for peacekeepers
to report abuse or stop harmful behavior.
 2. Extreme Poverty
Peacekeepers often earn much more than the local people. In poor communities, some women and
children may be forced to exchange sex for food, money, or protection. This is known as “survival sex.”
3. Lack of Accountability
Some peacekeepers protect each other and refuse to report wrongdoing. At the same time, many
victims are too afraid to speak out due to fear, shame, or lack of knowledge on how to report abuse.

4. Weak Local Economies

In many war-torn areas, the economy is broken. Without jobs or education, people—especially
women—have few safe options. If local women had better opportunities, they wouldn’t be forced into
dangerous situations.
Conclusion: Peace operations are meant to help, but they can sometimes bring new problems. Issues like
sexual abuse, crime, corruption, and the mistreatment of women reduce the success of peacekeeping missions.
To prevent these problems, the United Nations and contributing governments must:
 Provide better training on gender sensitivity and respectful behavior,
 Include more women in peacekeeping and leadership roles,
 Hold those who abuse power fully accountable,
 Support local women with education, jobs, and protection, and
 Make sure that peace efforts do not bring further harm to already vulnerable communities.
By understanding and addressing these unintended effects, peace operations can become more fair,
respectful, and effective for everyone involved.

How the UN Responded to Gender Problems in Peacekeeping

Introduction
For many years, peacekeeping missions by the United Nations (UN) faced serious problems. One of the
biggest issues was the sexual abuse and exploitation of local people by some peacekeepers. This not
only harmed individuals but also damaged the UN’s reputation.In 2003, the UN finally created official
rules to stop this behavior. Since then, it has worked to make peacekeeping missions more fair and
respectful toward women and girls. One of the main ways the UN has tried to fix this is through
something called gender mainstreaming.

What Is Gender Mainstreaming?

Gender mainstreaming means making sure that both women and men are treated fairly in all parts
of a peacekeeping mission. It means checking how every action—whether it’s a law, policy, or program—
affects both genders and making sure neither is left behind.In 2004, the UN peacekeeping department
created a detailed guide called the Gender Resource Package. This guide showed how gender concerns
should be part of everything peacekeepers do—from planning to training to day-to-day work. The UN
also set a goal: half of its civilian peacekeeping staff should be women, and more women should also
be part of the military and police forces.

Steps the UN Took to Address the Problem

1. New Rules (2003–2004)
 UN staff were banned from having sexual relationships with locals, especially with anyone
under 18.
 These relationships were seen as unfair because peacekeepers have more power than the
people they are sent to help.
2. Including Gender in Peacekeeping Goals
Starting in 2004, the UN added gender protection into the official goals of missions in: Burundi,
Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti
3.Changes in Missions
The UN made changes in specific missions, such as:
 MONUC in Congo and MINUSTAH in Haiti:
o Peacekeepers were told not to have relationships with locals.
o Night curfews were introduced.
o Peacekeepers had to wear uniforms outside base.
o Conduct units were created to monitor behavior.

4. Prince Zeid’s Report

 In 2004, Kofi Annan asked Prince Zeid  He recommended:
of Jordan to study how to stop abuse in o Better investigation systems.
peacekeeping. o Stronger discipline.
 His report found several problems: o DNA testing to prove
o Rules were unclear. responsibility.
o Many abusers were not punished. o Local outreach and training for
o Some peacekeepers left behind peacekeepers.
“peacekeeper babies” and o Protecting people who report
abandoned women. abuse (whistle-blowers).

Problems and Criticism

Even though progress was made, there were still major challenges:
 Gender offices in missions had small budgets.
 Gender advisers had limited influence at UN headquarters.
 Some women’s organizations felt ignored or pushed aside.
 Critics said the UN was fitting gender issues into its old system, instead of changing how it
works.
In 2004, Secretary-General Kofi Annan admitted that gender perspectives were still not fully
included in peace and security planning.

Progress Made by 2007

Despite criticism, some improvements happened:
 11 of 18 peacekeeping missions had full-time gender advisers.
 The first all-female police unit came from India to Liberia.
 A Gender Community of Practice was created to share ideas and experiences.
 A zero-tolerance policy on abuse was more clearly enforced.
Still, the UN agreed that progress was slow and uneven. There was much more to do.

Conclusion: The UN’s efforts to fix gender problems in peacekeeping have improved since 2003.
Through rules, reports, training, and gender-based policies, they have taken important steps. But
there are still gaps—especially in enforcement, funding, and inclusion of local voices. For peacekeeping
missions to truly be safe and effective, the UN must:
 Hold wrongdoers accountable,
 Train peacekeepers properly,
 Support local women and victims,
 Include more women in leadership, and
 Listen to the needs of local communities.
Only by doing these things can peacekeeping live up to its promise of creating real peace for
everyone—men, women, and children alike.
 Conclusion – The UN’s Response to Gender in Peacekeeping:
Introduction
To truly make peacekeeping missions safe, fair, and respectful for everyone, the United Nations (UN) must fully
include gender equality in all parts of its peace operations. This means more than just having policies on paper.
It requires real actions—from increasing the number of women peacekeepers to changing how peacekeepers
are trained. This conclusion outlines the key changes that the UN needs to make to meet its goals on gender
mainstreaming and eliminating sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

1. Increase the Number of Women Peacekeepers

Countries that send troops and police officers to UN missions should send more women. This would not only
promote equality, but also improve the effectiveness of peace operations. Studies show that female
peacekeepers:
 Are better at working with local communities,
 Can gather information more easily,
 Help reduce incidents of rape and prostitution just by being present.
Even having a small number of women in a mission can make male peacekeepers behave more respectfully,
because it creates an atmosphere more like civilian society.

2. Promote Women into Leadership Positions

More women are also needed in senior positions in peacekeeping missions. However, several obstacles still
make this difficult:
 UN hiring for high-level jobs is often political, which can disadvantage women.
 Many peacekeeping posts are non-family duty stations, meaning staff can't bring spouses or children.
This discourages women from applying.
 Some female UN workers say that to succeed in peacekeeping, you must be single, divorced, or
widowed—highlighting how family life is not supported.

3. Change UN Management Culture

To bring real change, the UN must make sure its managers and leaders are held accountable for promoting
gender equality. There should be clear incentives—such as tying progress on gender goals to their job
performance.
Also, the UN must guarantee protection for whistle-blowers—people who report abuse or misconduct—so
that problems can be safely exposed and addressed.

4. Empower Local Women

Peace operations must do more to support local women in conflict areas. This includes:
 Helping women find other ways to earn a living so they are not forced into survival sex.
 Ensuring that women are part of formal peace processes, not just informal roles in the community.
Empowering local women is crucial to building lasting peace.

5. Improve Peacekeeper Training

Peacekeepers must be trained not just as soldiers, but also as peacebuilders. That means:
 Learning how to build trust with communities,
 Helping repair schools, hospitals, and parks,
 Understanding how to support vulnerable groups.
The UN needs special training centers that focus on peacebuilding, not just military skills. Peacekeepers
should also learn from outside resources, such as toolkits developed by NGOs that focus on protecting children
and preventing abuse.

6. Rethink the Role of Civilians and Soldiers in Peacekeeping

Some people think that if peacekeeping missions had more civilians instead of soldiers, there would be less
abuse. But this is not always true. Civilian peacekeepers have also committed acts of SEA. So, the UN must
carefully consider:
 How militarized each peace operation should be,
  Whether it makes sense in some situations to focus more on civilian roles such as teachers, doctors,
engineers, artists, and social workers.
In fact, this idea was tested by the Organization of American States (OAS) in Nicaragua, where a civilian-
only peace mission was used after conflict—and it worked well. This shows that new, creative approaches
might succeed in other places too.

Conclusion: If the UN truly wants to protect women, promote peace, and end sexual abuse in its missions, it
must do more than talk about gender equality—it must act on it. This includes:
 Sending more women to peace missions,
 Promoting women to leadership roles,
 Changing how the UN manages and rewards progress on gender issues,
 Training peacekeepers better,
 Empowering local women,
 And rethinking the balance between military and civilian roles in missions.
Only through these concrete steps can the UN create peace operations that are fair, safe, and effective for
everyone—men and women, peacekeepers and local communities alike.

Why Gender Matters in Peacekeeping

Introduction
Peacekeeping is not just about ending violence—it is about building lasting peace and helping
societies recover after conflict. To do this effectively, peace operations must include both women and
men at every stage of the process. This is not just a question of fairness or equality—it is a necessary
condition for peace to succeed.

1. Women and Men Experience Conflict Differently

One of the most important reasons gender matters in peacekeeping is that women and men do not
experience war in the same way.
 Men are often involved as fighters or soldiers, and their experiences may focus on military
action, control of territory, or political power.
 Women, on the other hand, often suffer in different ways—such as being targets of sexual
violence, losing family members, or being left to care for displaced or traumatized children.
Because of these different roles and experiences, women and men also think differently about what
“peace” means. For many women, peace means:
 Safety in their homes and communities,
 Access to food, water, health care, and education,
 An end to sexual violence,
 The ability to rebuild family life and participate in society.
If peacekeeping efforts ignore these perspectives, then they are only addressing part of the
problem. True peace must reflect the needs and experiences of everyone in society.

2. Women Bring Unique Skills and Insights to Peacebuilding

Women are often central to rebuilding communities after war. They take care of families, lead local
organizations, and work to heal relationships broken by violence. They also help reduce tensions,
support education, and create networks of trust that help communities recover.
When women are included in peace processes:
 Peace agreements last longer,
 More community needs are addressed,
 Different kinds of violence, like sexual abuse, are more likely to be prevented or
punished,
 Community trust in peacekeepers increases.
In short, women strengthen peace in ways that men alone may not be able to.
3. Excluding Women Undermines Peace and Security
Leaving women out of peace processes is not only unjust—it is dangerous. Without women:
 Peace talks often fail to deal with everyday realities, like violence at home or access to basic
services.
 Recovery programs may miss the people who are most vulnerable—often women and
children.
 The opportunity to change the root causes of conflict, such as gender inequality, is lost.
If women are not part of rebuilding their own societies, then those societies are not truly peaceful
or secure.
As many experts have said: “You can’t have peace and security without women.”

4. Gender Inclusion Is Not Just a Women's Issue—It’s a Peace Issue

Some people wrongly think that including women in peacekeeping is just about promoting women’s
rights. But in reality, it is about making peace work for everyone. When peace processes are
inclusive—when men and women work together—the outcomes are better for entire communities.
Including women in peacekeeping means:
 Better understanding of the local situation,
 More effective communication with civilians,
 Stronger protections against abuse and exploitation,
 Greater legitimacy and trust in peace operations.

Conclusion: Gender is not a side issue in peacekeeping—it is at the heart of what makes peace real
and lasting. Because women and men experience war differently, they must both be involved in
shaping what peace looks like. Ignoring gender perspectives leads to incomplete solutions, weakens
recovery, and increases the risk of violence returning.
To build a peaceful future, peacekeepers and policymakers must make sure that women’s voices,
experiences, and leadership are fully included at every level—from local rebuilding to international
negotiations. Without women, there is no true peace.

The Importance of Meaningful Participation of Female Peacekeepers

Introduction
Women play a crucial role in peacekeeping. Research shows that including women in peace negotiations and
peacekeeping operations makes peace last longer and improves the success of missions. But having just a
few women is not enough—it’s the meaningful participation of women that makes a real difference.This
means women must be fully involved, not just in support roles, but in decision-making, leadership, and
frontline positions. When women are empowered in peace operations, they help build trust with
communities, reduce violence, and improve mission effectiveness.

What Is Meaningful Participation?

Meaningful participation means more than just increasing the number of women in missions. According to
the Elsie Initiative, meaningful participation means:
 Women are involved in all levels and roles—from junior staff to senior commanders.
 They are included in planning, leadership, and decision-making.
 They receive the same training, career opportunities, and promotions as men.
 They serve in roles that match their skills, rank, and experience, not just stereotypical support roles.
 They work in safe and respectful environments, free from harassment or discrimination.
****** Why Female Peacekeepers Matter ******
1. Better Community Access & Trust
Female peacekeepers often gain more trust from local populations—especially from women and
children—because they feel safer and more comfortable sharing information. In some cultures, women
can speak only to other women, which means male-only teams miss important insights.
2. Improved Mission Performance
Diverse teams that include women have better problem-solving skills, stronger situational
awareness, and fewer cases of violence or abuse. Missions with more women are also better at
addressing the needs of the whole community.
3. Reduced Sexual Abuse by Peacekeepers
Research shows that when the number of female peacekeepers increases, the number of sexual
exploitation and abuse cases committed by peacekeepers goes down. Even a small increase in female
troops can cut abuse allegations in half.
4. Unique Skills & Cultural Sensitivity
Female peacekeepers bring important skills—like being able to search women, which male
peacekeepers often cannot do due to cultural restrictions. They are also often better at calming
tensions and avoiding violence.
5. Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence
Survivors of sexual violence are more likely to report abuse to a woman in uniform than to a man.
Female peacekeepers can help victims feel safe, heard, and supported.

Current Challenges and Low Numbers

Despite these benefits, female peacekeepers are still underrepresented. As of 2022:
 Only 6% of UN military peacekeepers are women.
 Many countries still send very few female soldiers to missions.
 Women are often assigned to stereotypical roles like nursing or administration, not combat or
leadership positions.
Missions in dangerous areas often have even fewer women, because some countries believe women cannot
handle such risks—despite evidence to the contrary.

Barriers Women Face

Women face many challenges in joining and succeeding in peacekeeping:
 Limited access to training and deployment opportunities.
 Gender stereotypes that suggest women are weak or only suited for certain roles.
 Family responsibilities that make long deployments difficult.
 Unsafe or unfriendly working conditions, including harassment and lack of privacy.
 Social exclusion and lack of mentorship or support from leadership.
Countries that have stronger gender equality in their own military—like Ghana or South Africa—tend to
contribute more women to peacekeeping missions.

What Has the UN Done So Far?_ The UN has made several efforts to improve gender balance:
 UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) called for full and equal participation of women in peace and
security.
 Resolution 2242 (2015) encouraged member states to double the number of women in peacekeeping.
 The Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028) set targets for female participation.
 Resolution 2538 (2020) recognized the vital role of women in peacekeeping effectiveness.
Despite these actions, progress has been slow. Some countries have met or exceeded targets, but others—like India—still
contribute very few women.
Conclusion: The meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping is essential—not just for gender
equality, but for mission success and lasting peace. Female peacekeepers bring unique strengths, help reduce
abuse, and build better relationships with communities. But they need more than just a place in the mission—
they need to be fully included, respected, and empowered.
To reach this goal, the UN and its member states must:
 Remove barriers to women’s participation,
 Offer equal training and leadership opportunities,
 Deploy women where they’re most needed, and
 Ensure safe and inclusive working environments.
Peace is stronger when everyone is part of it—and that includes women.
Gender in UN Peacekeeping Operations: History, Challenges,
Opportunities, and the Role of Bangladeshi Women
1. Introduction
The role of gender in peacekeeping is now recognized as a critical factor in the success and legitimacy
of peace operations around the world. Gender equality in peacekeeping is not only about
representation and fairness, but also about improving operational outcomes, reducing misconduct,
and ensuring that the entire population affected by conflict is served effectively.
The inclusion of women in peacekeeping—especially in military, police, and leadership roles—has
shown to enhance communication with local populations, reduce violence, and build long-term trust.
Yet, despite these advantages, women remain underrepresented in UN peacekeeping missions. This
report explores the historical development of gender in peacekeeping, the key challenges faced by
female peacekeepers, the opportunities and potential benefits of inclusion, and the specific
contributions of Bangladeshi women to global peace efforts.

2. Historical Overview: From Marginalization to Recognition

In the early decades of UN peacekeeping (starting in the late 1940s), missions were dominated almost
entirely by men, especially in military and police roles. Women were present, but largely confined to
supportive or administrative tasks, such as clerical work, nursing, and logistics. Their presence was
often symbolic rather than operational.
This began to shift with growing global recognition of women’s rights, especially after the Beijing
Platform for Action (1995) and the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in
October 2000. This resolution formally acknowledged the unique experiences of women in armed
conflict and called for their full and equal participation in peace and security efforts.
Since then, the UN has adopted additional resolutions and strategies to promote gender balance,
including:
 Resolution 2242 (2015): Called for doubling the number of women in peacekeeping roles.
 Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028): Set specific targets for increasing the
number of women in military and police contingents.
 Resolution 2538 (2020): Reaffirmed the indispensable role of women in peacekeeping
effectiveness.
Despite these efforts, women's meaningful participation remains limited in many missions,
particularly in combat, leadership, and field roles.

3. Key Challenges to Gender Equality in Peacekeeping

While international commitments have increased, female peacekeepers still face multiple challenges,
which can be grouped into structural, cultural, and operational categories:
3.1 Underrepresentation and Stereotypes
Women still make up only about 6% of UN military peacekeepers, and their roles are often limited
to stereotypical positions such as nursing, community engagement, or administrative support, even
when they are qualified for combat or command roles.

3.2 Cultural and Institutional Barriers

In many troop-contributing countries, cultural norms discourage women from joining the military or
serving in conflict zones. Even within the UN, some peacekeeping missions lack a gender-sensitive
culture. Women report facing harassment, unequal treatment, and lack of support in the field.

3.3 Safety and Working Conditions

Many peacekeeping operations are in volatile regions. Some countries are reluctant to send female
personnel to these areas, fearing for their safety. In addition, missions often lack gender-sensitive
facilities, such as separate housing and sanitation, which discourages female participation.

3.4 Limited Access to Leadership

Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. Senior positions within missions—
such as Force Commander, Police Commissioner, or Special Representative—are rarely held by
women. This limits women’s influence on strategic planning and decision-making.

3.5 Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities

Women often face barriers to training, deployment, and promotion, especially in national military
structures. Many report that peacekeeping roles do not advance their military careers, creating a
disincentive to participate.

4. Opportunities and Potential of Gender Inclusion

Despite the challenges, there is growing recognition that increasing the meaningful participation of
women in peacekeeping is essential for operational success, community trust, and long-term
peacebuilding.

4.1 Enhanced Operational Effectiveness

 Missions with more women are more likely to succeed in building sustainable peace.
 Female peacekeepers often have better access to women and children in host communities,
especially in cultures where interaction across gender lines is restricted.
 They bring a diversity of perspectives that helps peacekeeping units better understand and
respond to the needs of local populations.

4.2 Building Trust and Reducing Abuse

 Women in peacekeeping are often seen as less threatening and more approachable.
 Their presence has been associated with lower levels of sexual exploitation and abuse
committed by peacekeepers.
 They can more effectively support survivors of gender-based violence, who may be
unwilling to speak to male personnel.
4.3 Expanding the Peacebuilding Toolkit
Women contribute valuable skills to peacekeeping, including:
 Conflict resolution
 Community engagement
 Public health and education
 Legal and psychological support
In this way, gender inclusion strengthens the civilian dimension of peacekeeping.
5. The Role of Bangladeshi Women in Peacekeeping
Bangladesh is globally recognized as one of the top contributors to UN peacekeeping, and its female
peacekeepers have played a significant role in promoting gender equality in missions.
5.1 A Trailblazer in Female Deployment
 Bangladesh deployed its first female peacekeepers in 2000 and gained global praise in 2010
by sending the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Haiti.
 Bangladeshi women have served in missions in Congo, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan,
and other regions, participating in patrolling, community relations, and support services.
5.2 Breaking Stereotypes
 Bangladeshi women peacekeepers have challenged traditional roles, taking on duties such as
guard duty, checkpoint inspections, and public order management.
 They have received international recognition for their bravery, discipline, and
professionalism.
5.3 National Support and Progress
Bangladesh has made efforts to integrate women into its armed forces, supporting gender-sensitive
training and career pathways. The country’s early investment in women’s military education and
leadership has contributed to its strong performance in gender inclusion in peacekeeping.

6. Conclusion
The inclusion of women in UN peacekeeping operations is no longer a question of if, but how
effectively. Women's meaningful participation enhances mission performance, builds trust with local
populations, prevents abuse, and makes peace more inclusive and sustainable.
However, there is still much work to do. Representation alone is not enough—women must be
empowered to lead, plan, and serve in all functions of peacekeeping. This means addressing
structural barriers, investing in training, and creating gender-sensitive mission environments.The
example of Bangladeshi women peacekeepers shows that progress is possible with commitment and
leadership. Their success is a reminder that gender equality in peacekeeping is not just a goal—it is
a necessity for global peace and security.

Why Gender Equality is Key in Peacekeeping

1. Introduction: Gender equality has emerged as a central concern in contemporary international peacekeeping.
Traditionally dominated by men, peacekeeping operations have undergone significant changes over the past two
decades, especially with the global recognition of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. This report
explores why gender equality is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity for the effectiveness,
credibility, and sustainability of peacekeeping missions. It examines the operational benefits of including
women, the legal and normative frameworks supporting gender inclusion, and the broader impact of gender
equality on peace and security outcomes.

2. Understanding Gender Equality in Peacekeeping

Gender equality in peacekeeping refers to ensuring equal representation, participation, and protection for
both men and women within peace operations. It also means acknowledging the different experiences of
conflict between genders and incorporating these perspectives into peacekeeping strategy, decision-making, and
service delivery. The goal is not simply to include more women but to ensure their meaningful participation in
leadership roles, field operations, and all aspects of mission planning and implementation.

3. Why Gender Equality Matters in Peacekeeping

3.1 Different Experiences, Different Needs
 Women and men experience conflict differently. Women are often disproportionately affected by
sexual violence, displacement, and the breakdown of social systems.
 Including women in peacekeeping allows missions to better understand and respond to the needs of
the entire population, not just a part of it.
3.2 Improved Access to Local Communities
 In many cultures, women in the host population may only be comfortable interacting with female
peacekeepers.
 Female peacekeepers can access spaces (like homes or women-only community areas) that male
peacekeepers cannot, leading to better community relations and information gathering.

3.3 Reduction in Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

 Research shows that peacekeeping units with more female personnel report fewer incidents of SEA.
 Female peacekeepers help establish a more accountable and respectful environment, improving the
mission's reputation and integrity.

3.4 Better Peace Outcomes

 A 2015 study by UN Women and other partners found that peace agreements are 35% more likely to
last at least 15 years when women are involved in negotiations.
 Gender-inclusive missions contribute to more sustainable and inclusive peacebuilding, especially in
post-conflict recovery and governance.

3.5 Operational Effectiveness

 Diverse teams—across gender, culture, and experience—perform better in problem-solving and
decision-making.
 Female peacekeepers bring skills such as conflict resolution, communication, cultural sensitivity,
and civilian engagement, all crucial for mission success.

4. Normative and Legal Frameworks Supporting Gender Equality

The importance of gender equality in peacekeeping is supported by several international instruments:
 UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000): Recognizes the role of women in conflict prevention,
resolution, and peacebuilding.
 Resolution 2242 (2015) and Resolution 2538 (2020): Call for increased participation of women in
military and police roles.
 Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028): Sets targets for the UN to achieve higher levels of
female deployment in uniformed peacekeeping roles.
These frameworks establish a legal and moral responsibility for the UN and its member states to pursue
gender equality in peacekeeping operations.

5. Remaining Challenges
Despite these commitments, several challenges hinder the full implementation of gender equality in
peacekeeping:
 Underrepresentation: As of recent reports, women make up only around 6% of military
peacekeepers globally.
 Stereotyping: Female personnel are often assigned support roles rather than leadership or combat
functions.
 Unsafe work environments: Harassment, lack of proper facilities, and limited career advancement
discourage female participation.
 Cultural resistance: In some troop-contributing countries, social norms prevent women from joining
or being deployed in military roles.

6. Case Study: Bangladesh’s Contribution

Bangladesh is a leading example of gender-inclusive peacekeeping. It was the first country to send an all-
female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to a UN mission in Haiti in 2010.
 Bangladeshi women have served in missions across Africa and the Middle East, participating in
patrolling, community engagement, and civil-military coordination.
 Their involvement has been praised for building trust with local populations, especially women and
children, and reducing conflict-related tensions.
This demonstrates that, with national commitment and training, gender equality in peacekeeping is
achievable and impactful.
 Improving the Safety and Well-being of Female Peacekeepers in Conflict Zones
1. Introduction: As women play an increasingly vital role in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions,
ensuring their safety and well-being in conflict zones has become a critical issue. Female peacekeepers face
distinct challenges such as harassment, cultural discrimination, limited access to essential resources, and
heightened physical and emotional risks. Addressing these challenges is necessary not only for protecting their
rights but also for enhancing the overall effectiveness and credibility of peacekeeping operations.

2. Gender-Sensitive Infrastructure and Logistics

 Ensure the provision of separate and secure living accommodations, sanitary facilities, and personal
hygiene supplies tailored to the needs of women.
 Adapt uniforms, gear, and transportation to accommodate female personnel effectively.
 Improve access to medical care, including mental health services and reproductive health support.
3. Strong Anti-Harassment and Protection Policies
 Enforce a zero-tolerance policy on all forms of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse within
peacekeeping missions.
 Create confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms for incidents of misconduct.
 Appoint Gender Advisors or Conduct and Discipline Units to monitor behavior and follow up on
complaints.

4. Gender-Focused Pre-Deployment and In-Mission Training

 Provide pre-deployment training to all personnel on gender sensitivity, conflict-related sexual
violence, and cultural awareness.
 Conduct in-mission workshops for women peacekeepers focused on situational awareness and
personal safety in complex environments.

5. Promote Leadership and Accountability

 Actively support the recruitment and promotion of women into leadership positions in peacekeeping
missions.
 Hold mission commanders and national authorities accountable for maintaining a safe and inclusive
environment.
 Ensure career development pathways and mentorship opportunities are available for female
peacekeepers.

6. Strengthen Peer Support Networks

 Facilitate the creation of support networks and forums where female peacekeepers can share
experiences and challenges.
 Establish mentorship programs that link junior female staff with experienced officers for guidance
and emotional support.
7. Collaboration with Local Women and Communities
 Engage local women’s organizations to gain insight into community-specific risks and gender
dynamics.
 Encourage female peacekeepers to take part in community engagement, especially with women and
children, to build trust and improve local security outcomes.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptation
 Systematically collect gender-disaggregated data to identify patterns of risk and areas needing
intervention.
 Conduct regular assessments and safety audits to evaluate the effectiveness of gender-related policies.
 Share best practices across missions to create a global standard of protection for female peacekeepers.

9. Conclusion
Ensuring the safety and well-being of female peacekeepers is a strategic and ethical priority for the United
Nations and its member states. With thoughtful planning, strong policies, and gender-sensitive leadership,
peacekeeping missions can create safer, more equitable environments that allow women to serve effectively and
with dignity. A secure and empowered female peacekeeping force not only contributes to mission success but
also helps reshape the future of global peace and security.