The topic of women in peace and humanitarian operations is of great interest to the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. The PPC believes that gender equality is a basic prerequisite of any sound, equitable and sustainable peace operation. Gender-specific needs are often overlooked when it comes to relief and recovery planning following a crisis or conflict situation. The PPC provides a neutral space where experts and women’s groups can come together and discuss gender as it relates to all aspects of peace operations.
In spring 2008, the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre organized its third Roundtable on Women in Peace and Humanitarian Operations. The Roundtable brought together a total of 32 women experts in the field of peace and security from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. Participant backgrounds included civilians, military and police from government, humanitarian agencies, training organizations and think tanks. Countries represented included Canada, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, and USA.
The PPC’s interest in women and peace operations started in 2005 with the West African Police Project (WAPP). As part of WAPP, the PPC initiated a series of roundtables along the theme of women in peace operations. The objective was to explore the specific roles of women in peace operations and the obstacles to increasing women’s participation in such operations. A subsequent roundtable was held in August 2006 in Ottawa, followed by a Roundtable on Police and Gendarmerie: Women in Peace Operations in November 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Through these roundtables and subsequent talks with UN officials in New York and in the field, it became clear that one of the greatest challenges facing women in peace and humanitarian operations is the lack of networks and support structures to assist them in undertaking their multiple roles.
Women play a vital role in today’s complex peace operations; women and children are most affected by conflict. They are the victims of rape and other violent crime. They need to be able to speak about their experiences, to confide in someone they can identify with and trust – another woman. Female mission staff have an obvious advantage in terms of establishing contact with local women in countries that are in crisis.
Women also contribute significantly to peace and reconciliation efforts due to their unique sensitivity, perspective and approach to conflict and conflict resolution. The role that women play in missions can provide support and encouragement to local women who may be struggling within a rigid, patriarchal, war-torn society.
A Roundtable on Police and Gendarmerie: Women in Peace Operations, November 2006
Report of the Roundtable on Women in Peace and Humanitarian Operations, March 2008 Coming Soon!