If you bring up the United Nations’ website, and go through the “Peacekeeping” section, you’ll see lots of photos of blue helmets on the ground and most of them feature women.

UN Photo

In the name of female empowerment and gender equality, this seems great, right? It is indeed, except for the fact that the photos are slightly misleading in terms of the number of women involved.

Women only make up about 3% of all UN Peacekeeping forces.

UN Photo

It’s a big improvement from what it once was, but the UN signed a resolution in 2000 to commit to increasing female participation in peace and security efforts. It’s been about fifteen years, and we’re still only seeing minimal involvement.

It’s not just up to the United Nations- the responsibility is on individual countries to recruit more women into their ranks and incorporate them into troop contributions.

There are a couple of countries that have hit the nail on the head when it comes to this issue. India and Bangladesh, in particular, have found a niche for women in missions. When I was studying abroad in Geneva, my group received a briefing one day at the United Nations about Peacekeeping. One of the most interesting stories I heard was about these police units that were being sent into missions that consisted only of women.

UN Photo

The idea sounded epic, so I wanted to find out more. Turns out that India established the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) in 2007 who was sent to the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The only men on this team were sent as drivers as cooks, so this was the first time women were able to make a mission theirs without a masculine influence.

This is part of the unit performing a martial arts exercise at a ceremony that honored the women for their service. | UN Photo

Why is this a big deal? Well, for starters the units showed that women have a lot to offer peace and security efforts. They have shown to integrate further into the communities than ever before. Not only do the police officers enjoy the work, but the communities have responded to them with enthusiasm. Some have even gotten involved in their community’s rebuilding process, helping to ensure sustainability.

UN Photo

Increasing the number of women involved in these missions is hugely important because it gives women a chance to contribute. But the benefits also extend to the communities affected by the missions. Missions with a larger female presence are able to encourage more local women to participate in community activities, which is pivotal for building a sustainable future for a society.

Having more women involved also decreases the sexual threat that peacekeeping troops can bring to the field. Sexual violence is often tied to situations of conflict, so having male soldiers walking around with very few women can be very intimidating for the women in the community. Any obstacle like this hinders the peace process and any work that a peacekeeping troop can accomplish on the ground becomes less effective and less sustainable.

UN Photo

These all-female police units are becoming staples in the peacekeeping landscape because they’ve proven so successful. India has continuously rotated troops every year since establishing the first in 2007. Bangladesh followed suit and sent female FPU’s to the missions in Haiti and DR Congo. Nigeria also contributed female police units for the Liberia mission.

UN Photo

These women have proven that there is a role for them to play in peacekeeping missions. The units have integrated further into the communities than ever before. They’ve set up health clinics, neighborhood watch rotations, and more. It has shown to be an effective rebuilding method which is why I’m such a huge proponent of making sure women play a part in these missions.

Editorial

Demand Equity

Rise of the blue helmettes: Women make their mark on peacekeeping

By Alex Vinci