When female peacekeepers’ “added value” becomes an “added burden.” Egmont Commentary 23 November 2020.

Wilén, Nina (2020) When female peacekeepers’ “added value” becomes an “added burden.” Egmont Commentary 23 November 2020. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (2173Kb)

Abstract

Calls for the increased participation of uniformed United Nations female peacekeepers have multiplied in recent years, fueled in part by new scandals of peacekeepers’ sexual abuse and exploitation (SEA), tarnishing the UN’s reputation, and in part by the will to show explicit progress at the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Linked to these calls, numerous UN reports and policy documents have emphasised the “added value” that female peacekeepers can bring, explaining how their increased participation can render peace operations more effective and efficient. As these arguments about women’s “added value” as peacekeepers are mostly promoted by organisations that strive to foreground women’s rights, we can assume that they are made with the hope that this will increase gender equality.

Actions (login required)