Africa is leading by example in empowering female police officers who are excelling in United Nations peacekeeping missions. These women demonstrate exceptional dedication and skill, proving integral to the success of these vital operations.
Currently, over 20% of the 8,200 police officers serving in 17 UN regional offices and field operations are women. This milestone reflects the achievements of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) in meeting the gender parity goals set by the UN Secretary-General for 2025.
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Through innovative approaches to networking, relationship building, and integrating women’s perspectives, UNPOL female officers significantly enhance the operational performance of peacekeeping missions. Their contributions are instrumental in ensuring the missions are more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective.
Women recruited from military and police forces currently participate in 12 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, with six based in Africa and three in the Middle East.
The formal involvement of women in UN peacekeeping missions began in 1957. However, a pivotal moment came in 2007 when India deployed the first all-female, highly skilled, and well-equipped Formed Police Unit to Liberia. This landmark deployment underscored the vital role women play in peacekeeping and marked a turning point in their representation.
Women peacekeepers are often seen as particularly well-suited to humanitarian work, especially in fostering communication with civilian women and children. This perception has led to a gradual but significant increase in their participation in peacekeeping missions over time.
Between 1957 and 1989, only 20 uniformed women participated in peacekeeping missions. By September 2023, this number had risen to 6,200. However, women remain underrepresented in military contingents, comprising less than 10% of the more than 70,000 uniformed peacekeepers, which include over 62,000 servicemen.
Top African Contributors to Female UN Peacekeepers
As of August 2024, the ten African nations contributing the highest number of female police officers to UN peacekeeping deployments are:
1. Rwanda – 678
2. Ghana – 428
3. Senegal – 210
4. Ethiopia – 206
5. Zambia – 225
6. South Africa – 221
7. Cameroon – 121
8. Tanzania – 189
9. Malawi – 106
10. Egypt – 96
The distinct contributions of female peacekeepers are increasingly recognised, highlighting their unique capacity to address challenges in peacekeeping and foster trust within communities.
A Vision for the Future
The rising acknowledgment of women’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts is a step towards a more equitable future. With continued empowerment of African women, the international community can look forward to even greater achievements in UN peacekeeping and beyond.
