Addressing Gender Imbalance in United Nations’ Peacekeeping

Abstract

The Department of Peacekeeping Operation (DPKO) is the backbone of United Nations‟ Peacekeeping operations worldwide. The history of United Nations Peacekeeping operations can be traced back to1948 when the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East (ME). Since then its presence has been recognized and appreciated by all those affected by armed conflict and/or to humanitarian crises. Men in uniform have been at the forefront of its face in difficult and violent situations regardless of the areas being remote or urban in nature. As with many „traditional‟ aspects of Peacekeeping operations (such as force application), the continuously changing environment has also influenced the „face‟ itself to be changed, albeit at a slower pace. For instance, the need for incorporating women into this so far purely „men in uniform‟ domain is being considered in all facets of its operations. Women with their natural affinity to Peace- making, and their ability to access gender restrictive societies is continuously being recognized as a necessary resource for UN operations.