Greater Role for Women in UN Peacekeeping

The participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping has become an increasingly important priority in global security discourse. Recognising the unique contributions that women bring to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and community engagement, the UN has strengthened its commitment to inclusivity within peace operations. The push for a greater role for women stems from evidence that gender-balanced forces enhance operational effectiveness, improve mission credibility, and foster deeper trust with local populations. As contemporary conflicts become more complex and involve significant civilian impact, the involvement of women has gained strategic and humanitarian significance.
Efforts to increase women’s representation in peacekeeping align with broader UN objectives related to gender equality, human rights, and sustainable peace. Initiatives such as the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, established through UN Security Council Resolution 1325, underscore the necessity of integrating women at every stage of peacekeeping and conflict management.

Background and Rationale

Historically, women have been under-represented in military, police, and civilian roles within peacekeeping missions. Yet women’s contributions have proven vital in addressing issues such as conflict-related sexual violence, child protection, and community reconciliation. As peacekeeping missions increasingly interact with civilian populations, especially vulnerable groups, women’s participation offers distinctive advantages.
Several factors underline the importance of greater female representation:

• Women peacekeepers are often more approachable to local women and children, enabling improved communication.
• Their presence helps reduce incidents of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Female engagement helps bridge cultural sensitivities in societies where women may not speak openly to male personnel.
• Women bring diverse perspectives that enhance problem-solving and operational planning.

These strengths support both the tactical and strategic goals of peacekeeping missions.

Forms of Participation in UN Peacekeeping

Women contribute to peace operations through military, police, and civilian roles. Each category offers unique opportunities to support mission objectives.
Military RolesWomen serve as soldiers, medical officers, engineers, observers, and commanders. Their involvement in mixed-gender patrols, humanitarian assistance, and community outreach strengthens mission adaptability and responsiveness.
Police RolesThe UN Police (UNPOL) deploys women as investigators, community liaison officers, trainers, and senior officials. Female officers are particularly effective in handling cases of gender-based violence and ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups.
Civilian RolesWomen participate as political advisers, human rights monitors, legal specialists, electoral officers, and protection experts. These roles influence long-term peacebuilding and governance reforms.
Together, these roles help embed gender-sensitive practices across mission mandates.

Benefits of Increasing Women’s Participation

Greater inclusion of women enhances peacekeeping outcomes across several dimensions.
1. Improved Community Trust and AccessLocal communities often respond more positively to mixed-gender teams. Women peacekeepers can access groups or households that may be closed to men because of cultural norms. This strengthens information-gathering and builds confidence in peacekeeping forces.
2. Strengthened Protection of CiviliansWomen are more likely to identify risks faced by women and children, including trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation. Their insights support robust protection strategies and early warning mechanisms.
3. Reduction in MisconductResearch indicates that missions with higher female representation tend to report fewer incidents of abuse or exploitation. Women’s presence reinforces professionalism and accountability within peacekeeping contingents.
4. Empowerment and Role ModellingFemale peacekeepers serve as role models in conflict-affected societies. Their visibility encourages local women to participate in political, social, and security-related activities.
5. Enhanced Operational EffectivenessDiverse teams exhibit stronger problem-solving capabilities, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. This leads to more effective policing, negotiation, and conflict mediation.
These advantages reinforce the broader goals of sustainable peace and inclusive security.

Challenges to Enhanced Participation

Despite clear benefits, several obstacles continue to limit women’s involvement in peacekeeping missions.

• Structural Barriers: Many troop- and police-contributing countries have lower female representation in their national security forces, reducing the pool of eligible candidates for peacekeeping.
• Social and Cultural Constraints: Gender stereotypes and societal expectations discourage women from pursuing military or policing careers.
• Operational Challenges: Missions may lack adequate facilities or support systems tailored to women personnel.
• Limited Leadership Opportunities: Women are under-represented in senior command and decision-making roles, affecting visibility and influence.
• Security Risks: Women peacekeepers often face unique security concerns, including gender-based violence in conflict zones.

Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action by the UN and member states.

UN Initiatives to Promote Women’s Participation

The United Nations has introduced multiple policies and programmes to encourage greater representation of women in peacekeeping.
Women, Peace and Security AgendaUN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) calls for increased participation of women in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, peacekeeping, and post-conflict recovery.
Uniformed Gender Parity StrategyThis strategy sets specific targets for increasing women in military and police roles, encouraging member states to expand recruitment and deployment.
Specialised Training and Capacity BuildingProgrammes such as the Female Military Officer Course and Female Police Leadership Programme help develop skills and prepare women for peacekeeping assignments.
Financial and Recognition IncentivesThe UN offers incentives for member states that deploy more women in uniformed roles. It also recognises outstanding contributions through awards and honours.
Policy Reforms in MissionsField missions are instructed to create gender-sensitive environments, improve accommodation facilities, and adopt codes of conduct that reinforce equality.
These measures demonstrate a long-term commitment to gender equality within peace operations.

Growing Contributions from Member States

Several countries have taken strong steps to contribute more women to peacekeeping forces. Nations provide all-women police units, mixed-gender contingents, and specialised female teams for community engagement and rapid support. Troop-contributing countries increasingly recognise that women’s participation enhances international standing and strengthens mission outcomes.
In addition, national reforms in recruitment, training, and leadership development help expand the pool of qualified women personnel eligible for deployment.

Contemporary Relevance

In an era where conflicts involve complex humanitarian emergencies, displacement, and civilian casualties, women’s participation in peacekeeping has become crucial. Their role supports mission mandates, promotes inclusive peace processes, and enhances the legitimacy of the UN’s peacekeeping efforts.