Empower Female Peacekeepers In War-Torn Nations Contributing To International Peace And Security

NAIROBI,Kenya,Mar, 15 – The global efforts at keeping the peace in war torn areas has taken a new direction. Women are deployed in all areas – police, military and civilian and have made a positive impact on peacekeeping efforts, including supporting the role of women in building peace and protecting women’s rights. 

Amidst progress stakeholders are now saying that the conversation should include equipping them with the skills, tools and positions in power to properly undertake their mandate.

The engagement of women in uniform on the frontlines and in peace-keeping missions has become more and more important in order for the women and children the missions serve, to feel safer and more empowered.

“It is important that the communities see that the security sector is not only a male sector. It is a sector that requires the participation of women at every level,” said Brigadier Joyce Sitienei, Director International Peace Support Training.

While in areas of active combat, women in uniform have been engaged to shine a light on the core issues that affect women in conflict. Efforts that have seen scores take up the challenge and receive global recognition.

“My work generally entailed mainstreaming gender component within the military formation,” said Major Stepline Nyaboga.

“The work done by AMISOM in Somalia is great, but I would recommend that levels of engagement has to begin from the local community. That is where peace needs to start and that is where peace needs to end,” said Istar Ahmed,Researcher, Humanitarian HR Organization.

Whether championing for increase of women senior officers in the disciplined forces or patrolling the streets of thw cities under a special SWAT outfit, the country has done a lot to appreciate their efforts. But still, policy makers believe much more can possibly be done.

“We have work to do, break the biases to remove barriers to recruitment and training of women in national militaries and police forces in order to increase their participation in peace-keeping,” said Dr. Rose Anyona, DTP Chief Of Staff.

“The women themselves are actually volunteering to join the security sector to make a difference. To also break the stereotypes of women being the protected and the men the protectors, women can also be protectors,” said Dr. Fatma Ahmed Ali, Gender and Security Expert.

To reinforce these efforts, the UN Security Council resolution 1325 of (2000) on Women Peace and Security (WPS) recognized the central role of women as change agents in contributing to international peace and security.