Empowering Peace: The Impact of Women in UN Peacekeeping Missions

Abstract

Gender balance in peacekeeping is crucial for sustainable peace and international security. Women and children are most affected by conflict, enduring displacement, sexual and gender-based violence, and limited or no access to healthcare and education. However, women remain underrepresented in peacekeeping missions, holding only a small percentage of military, police, and senior positions. This imbalance hampers peacebuilding efforts. Studies and the experience of female engagement teams show that women's involvement improves intelligence gathering, increases engagement and trust of the local population in UN peace operations, and contributes to more sustainable peace agreements. Despite this, structural underrepresentation, cultural stereotypes, inadequate facilities, and limited opportunities continue to restrict women's roles in peacekeeping. Including women in peacekeeping is not only a matter of justice but also a strategic necessity. Guided by the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda and UNSCR 1325, it emphasises that inclusive peacekeeping builds trust between UN peacekeepers and local communities, protects civilians, aids in implementing UN mandates, and supports post-conflict reconstruction.