Building Skills to Integrate, Protect, and Empower Women During Peacekeeping

Abstract

For twenty years, the United Nations has strongly supported the deployment of women in peacekeeping units and has urged peacekeepers to protect women and girls during peacekeeping operations. Nevertheless, integration of women lags and violence against women and girls persists. Official training for peacekeepers often addresses integration of women and protection of civilians, but peacekeepers receive little instruction about how to foster the necessary social and organizational changes. This article identifies key issues and relevant skill-building approaches to equip peacekeepers to support integration of women in peacekeeping and improve the security and safety of local women.