The Role of Women in Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping Operations: A Catalyst for Lasting Peace
In the context of international relations and peacebuilding, the inclusion of women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts is not merely a matter of gender equality—it is essential for creating sustainable peace. Research and real-world evidence have repeatedly demonstrated that women’s participation in conflict resolution and peacekeeping operations improves diplomatic outcomes, reduces the risk of violence, and fosters inclusive governance. As the world confronts complex conflicts, from civil wars to international disputes, the need for women’s voices in peace efforts is more urgent than ever.
A Historical Overview: Women in Peacekeeping
Historically, women’s participation in peacekeeping was minimal, often restricted to support roles such as medical, administrative, and logistical duties. However, in 2000, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution that emphasized the importance of women's full involvement in all aspects of peace and security. This resolution recognized that women are disproportionately affected by conflict and are also crucial to the peacebuilding process
Since then, the role of women in peacekeeping has evolved significantly, with growing recognition of their contributions as soldiers, negotiators, mediators, and policy-makers. As of 2022, women comprised 4.8% of military personnel and 10.9% of police personnel in UN peacekeeping missions—a notable improvement, though still far from gender parity.
Why Women Matter in Peacekeeping Operations
A. Unique Contributions to Conflict Resolution
Women bring unique perspectives and skills to peacekeeping missions. Studies have shown that women are more likely to emphasize reconciliation, social services, and community-building—key components of long-term peace.
Promoting Inclusivity: Women often play a critical role in negotiating peace agreements that are more inclusive, considering the needs of marginalized groups such as women, children, and ethnic minorities. According to research by UN Women, peace agreements that include women are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.
Bridging Divides: In many conflict zones, women are seen as less threatening than men, which allows them to engage with local communities, access restricted areas, and build trust with civilians. This enables them to mediate effectively between warring factions and local communities.
Supporting Social Cohesion: Women peacekeepers have been particularly effective in promoting post-conflict reconciliation, helping communities heal from the trauma of violence and reintegrating former combatants into society. Their efforts in facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties contribute to more sustainable peace
B. Reducing Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Violations
Conflict often leads to increased gender-based violence (GBV), including sexual violence used as a weapon of war. The presence of women in peacekeeping missions has been shown to significantly reduce incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Building Trust with Women Survivors: Female peacekeepers are often more approachable to local women, encouraging survivors of GBV to come forward and report incidents of abuse. They play a pivotal role in ensuring that the needs of women and girls are addressed in peacekeeping operations.
Enforcing Accountability: Women's presence in peacekeeping forces also fosters greater accountability within the mission. A study by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) found that peacekeeping units with higher proportions of women had fewer reports of misconduct and abuse.
C. Improving Operational Effectiveness
Women peacekeepers contribute to the operational success of missions by bringing diverse viewpoints and communication styles. This diversity improves problem-solving and decision-making processes, leading to more comprehensive and effective peacekeeping strategies.
Enhanced Community Engagement: Women peacekeepers excel at building relationships with local populations, which is critical for gathering intelligence, understanding local dynamics, and implementing conflict prevention measures. For example, during the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), female peacekeepers were instrumental in engaging with female ex-combatants and local communities, which contributed to the mission’s success in disarmament and reintegration.
Peacebuilding through Civil-Military Cooperation: Women peacekeepers have played a vital role in civil-military cooperation initiatives, which focus on delivering humanitarian aid, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of civilians. Their presence in these operations ensures that women’s and children’s needs are prioritized.
Global Examples of Women in Peacekeeping
1. UN Peacekeeping in Liberia
In 2007, Liberia became the first country to deploy an all-female police unit as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. This deployment had a transformative impact on both the mission and the local community. Women officers helped to reduce crime rates, promote gender equality, and inspire local women to join law enforcement.
Impact on Security: The presence of women officers led to a significant decrease in reports of sexual violence, as women and children felt more comfortable seeking help from female peacekeepers.
- Local Empowerment: The all-female unit inspired Liberian women to pursue careers in law enforcement, leading to an increase in the number of women in the national police force.
2. The Role of Women in Colombia’s Peace Process
Women’s involvement in Colombia’s peace process between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas was crucial to the signing of the historic peace agreement in 2016. Women’s organizations and female negotiators ensured that the final agreement addressed critical issues such as land rights, gender-based violence, and the reintegration of female ex-combatants.
Inclusive Peace Agreements: The inclusion of women in the peace talks led to one of the most gender-sensitive peace agreements in history, with over 100 provisions related to gender equality.
Promoting Sustainable Peace: Women’s participation in the negotiations and the implementation of peace have been instrumental in addressing the root causes of the conflict, including social inequality and access to resources.
Challenges Facing Women in Peacekeeping
Despite the progress made in promoting women’s participation in peacekeeping, significant challenges remain:
A. Cultural Barriers and Gender Bias
In many conflict zones, traditional gender roles and cultural norms may limit the acceptance of women in leadership positions. Female peacekeepers often face discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support from male colleagues.
Underrepresentation in Leadership: Although the number of women in peacekeeping roles has increased, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Women currently hold only 5% of senior leadership roles in UN peacekeeping missions.
B. Lack of Resources and Training
Women peacekeepers often face inadequate access to the resources and training necessary to perform their duties effectively. In some cases, they are not provided with sufficient protection, equipment, or transportation.
Need for Gender-Sensitive Training: More emphasis is needed on providing gender-sensitive training that equips peacekeepers to address the specific needs of women and girls in conflict zones.
C. Limited Recruitment of Women
Although the UN and other organizations have taken steps to recruit more women for peacekeeping operations, progress has been slow. Institutional barriers and a lack of targeted recruitment strategies contribute to the continued underrepresentation of women in military and police contingents.
The Way Forward: Promoting Women’s Participation in Peacekeeping
To harness the full potential of women in peacekeeping, the international community must take concrete steps to:
1. Strengthen Recruitment and Retention of Women: UN member states should adopt recruitment targets for women in peacekeeping operations and ensure that women are provided with the resources and support needed to succeed.
2. Promote Women in Leadership Roles: Increasing the number of women in leadership roles is essential for creating gender-responsive peacekeeping missions. The UN must prioritize the appointment of women to senior positions in peacekeeping missions and international diplomacy.
3. Enhance Gender-Sensitive Training: All peacekeeping personnel should receive gender-sensitive training that equips them to recognize and respond to the specific needs of women and girls in conflict zones.
4. Address Cultural Barriers: Peacekeeping missions must work with local communities to challenge traditional gender norms and promote the active participation of women in peace processes.
Conclusion: Women as Key Architects of Peace
The participation of women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution is not simply a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative. When women are involved in peace processes, the outcomes are more sustainable, inclusive, and just. The international community must continue to invest in policies and programs that empower women to lead in peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution, ensuring a more peaceful and equitable world for future generations.
Data Sources:
United Nations Peacekeeping: Official Reports and Statistics, 2022.
UN Women: Studies on Women’s Role in Peace Processes, 2020.
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF): Gender and Security Report, 2021.
International Peace Institute: Women in Peacekeeping Studies, 2020.