As we celebrate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2021 we emphasize the importance of effective recruitment and deployment of women in peacekeeping missions. Despite United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions 1325, 2106 and 2122, peacekeeping operations still fall short in terms of recruitment and systematic and sustained inclusion of women peacekeepers. 

Research indicates that even an increase from no women peacekeepers to 5% women peacekeepers can reduce incidences of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) by troops by some 50%. Additionally, there is ample evidence that the presence of women in community security roles, including in peacekeeping operations, can reduce violence in communities and foster a greater sense of safety, particularly among war-traumatized women and children. 

Our Better Peace Initiative (BPI) resource 10 Steps to Increase Women’s Participation in Peacekeeping and Reduce Sexual Exploitation and Abuse puts forth concrete recommendations from women-led civil society to improve community security and eradicate SEA from peacekeeping missions through effective recruitment and deployment of women.  

The document, which is drafted by ICAN and the Association of War Affected Women (AWAW), is available in English and French.