Participation of Uniformed Women in Peacekeeping Missions in Liberia and East Timor

Abstract

This study sought to assess uniformed women‟s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions with specific reference to Liberia and East Timor. The study was qualitative in nature and a case study research design was used. To achieve its objectives, the study drew nine (9) research participants from uniformed personnel particularly from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Zimbabwe Republic Police and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service who have previously served in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Liberia and East Timor. In addition, two other key informants were drawn from local offices of United Nations Women and Southern African Development Committee Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre. The study found out that despite being a key ingredient for successful operational impact in any peacekeeping mission, the participation of uniformed women in peacekeeping missions was low due to a variety of factors. The study also noted that uniformed women peacekeepers were grappling with a plethora of challenges ranging from language and cultural barriers, low number of female peacekeepers, gender stereotypes to non-family status of most UN peacekeeping missions. The study, therefore, recommended that UN member states should vigorously conduct a more sustained recruitment of women into national institutions such as military, police and prisons and correctional service in order to increase the pool of personnel for subsequent deployment to peacekeeping duties. In addition, the study further recommended that UN should look at the possibility of reviewing some of its policies in order to reduce the negative impact caused by the prolonged absence of peacekeepers away from their families.