The Crucial Role of Women in UN Peacekeeping

UN Peacekeeping: Role of Women

Women play an essential role in peacekeeping by enhancing conflict resolution, fostering trust within communities, preventing sexual violence, and making peace processes more inclusive. Yet, their representation in global missions remains significantly low.

Global Participation

Women form less than 10% of UN’s 70,000 uniformed peacekeepers.

UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy targets:

• 15% women in military contingents by 2028.
• 25% women in police units by 2028.

In 2022, women made up 7.9% of all uniformed personnel (up from 1% in 1993):

• 5.9% in military
• 14.4% in police
• 43% in justice and corrections

Among civilians: 30% women, with rising leadership roles.

Why Women Peacekeepers Matter

- Stronger Peacekeeping: Diverse teams improve operations, civilian protection, and peacebuilding.

- Better Access & Trust: Women enhance outreach to local communities, especially women and children.

- Diverse Leadership: Gender-balanced groups strengthen decision-making and reflect community needs.

- Role Models: They inspire younger generations and challenge traditional gender norms.

- Advancing Equality: Upholding non-discrimination aligns with UN Charter principles.

Indian Women in Peacekeeping

India has been a pioneer in female participation in UN missions. Legacy began in the 1960s when Indian women medical officers were sent to Congo.

In 2007, India deployed the first-ever all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia, inspiring local women and strengthening Liberia’s security.

As of February 2025, 150+ Indian women serve across six critical missions, including:

• Democratic Republic of Congo
• South Sudan
• Lebanon
• Golan Heights
• Western Sahara
• Abyei

Recognition

Major Radhika Sen was honoured as “Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023” at the UN Headquarters for her contributions.

India, as the largest troop-contributing nation from the Global South, continues to champion women’s roles in peace and security.

Challenges Faced

- Deep-rooted gender biases and security risks.

- Logistical barriers in deployments.

- Need for policies to ensure safety, equal opportunity, and empowerment.

Synopsis

Women in UN peacekeeping strengthen trust, widen access to local communities, and build inclusive peace. Despite low representation, their contributions are vital for sustainable conflict resolution. India’s pioneering role—from Congo in the 1960s to Liberia in 2007 and present-day missions—shows its commitment to gender parity. Recognition of officers like Major Radhika Sen highlights the impact of Indian women peacekeepers. Achieving gender balance is about creating more effective, inclusive, and lasting peace worldwide.