The inclusion of female uniformed personnel in national contributions to UN peace operations has fallen short of expectations. By March 2013, women comprised less than 4 percent of UN peacekeepers globally, accounting for about 3 percent of UN military personnel and about 9.7 percent of UN police. The UN is unlikely to reach its goals for gender equality in peacekeeping missions. This paper suggests that this is due to three reasons: the lack of understanding among member states about Resolution 1325 and UN policy on gender equality; a gap in data and analysis about women’s participation in national security institutions globally and in UN peacekeeping; and the prevalence of social norms and biases that perpetuate gender inequality within the security sector. Further, the UN and member states’ focus on increasing the numbers of female uniformed personnel has obscured the equally important goal of integrating a gender perspective into the work of peace operations.
The likelihood of achieving the UN’s goals for gender equality in the composition of peacekeeping operations would significantly improve if there were a clear strategy to effectively operationalise the UN’s existing policy and generate greater political support for it among governments of key member states. Specifically, increasing female participation and integrating a gender perspective into peace operations requires a strategic vision and coherent efforts in the field, at UN headquarters, and within key member states.
This study proposes that the policy guidelines already outlined by the UN Departments of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS) need to be operationalized through a comprehensive strategic plan supported by strong leadership. This should include the following activities:
- Create a gender-sensitive force generation strategy that includes both military and police personnel for UN peacekeeping with sex-specific measures to address the recruitment, retention, and advancement of female uniformed personnel in missions.
- Encourage further research on the recruitment and retention of women in national police and armed forces.
- Establish a gender-coaching program for the UN Military and Police Advisory Committee.
- Implement the DPKO/DFS guidelines and appoint military gender advisers in all UN peacekeeping missions.
- Conduct an outreach initiative to member states to increase understanding about Resolution 1325 and the operational benefits of integrating a gender perspective into UN peacekeeping based on a comprehensive multi-country study.
- Conduct a baseline study on the social norms that perpetuate inequality between men and women in UN peacekeeping operations.
