All-Female Contingents on the Front Lines of Peace and Conflict | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The seminar discusses the establishment and effectiveness of all-female peacekeeping contingents in conflict zones, highlighting the challenges and successes of women in this role.

Transcript

welcome to the women on public policy program seminar series podcast at Robert Kennedy School settling in but we want to have a chance to talk about this fascinating topic that we have here day my name is Hannah a goal of a research director here at the women in public policy programs gives me the opportunity to host this seminar here at wow we are... Read More

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♀️ All-female peacekeeping contingents provide a fascinating case study for understanding the challenges and successes of gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping missions.
• ❓ Local relationships and diversity within the contingent are crucial for their effectiveness in conflict zones.
• 😷 The UN's emphasis on gender mainstreaming in peacekeeping operations may mask deeper gender inequality issues and obscure the real challenges faced by women in these roles.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the main purpose of the all-female peacekeeping contingent in Mindanao?

The main purpose of the all-female contingent is to monitor the ceasefire and act as a go-between for the international monitoring team, armed forces, and local communities in conflict-affected areas.

Q: How do the women overcome skepticism and resistance from other actors in the peacekeeping mission?

The all-female contingent builds strong relationships with local communities, engages supportive Muslim clerics, and references international law to counter skepticism and resistance.

Q: What challenges do the women face in their roles as peacekeepers?

The women face challenges related to their gender, religion, and cultural norms, as well as the perception that they may not be as tough or skilled as their male counterparts.

Q: How does the all-female contingent address gender-based violence in the region?

The all-female contingent responds to gender-based violence incidents by reporting them to the international monitoring team, advocating for action, and engaging local communities and leaders to address the issue.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The seminar focuses on the case of an all-female peacekeeping contingent in Mindanao, Philippines, operating in a region with a long history of conflict.

• The seminar explores the challenges faced by the all-female contingent, including skepticism, religious and cultural barriers, and perceptions of toughness.

• The seminar highlights the importance of local relationships and diversity in the success of the contingent and discusses the policy implications of their work.