RESDAL launches the project "Women in peace operations: supporting inclusive environments through interregional collaboration and engagement at the national level”

With the support of Foreign Affairs Canada and within the framework of the ELSIE initiative, RESDAL launched the project "Women in Peace Operations: supporting inclusive environments through interregional collaboration and engagement at the national level” to promote safe and inclusive environments for women from the Global South in the security institutions of Troops and Police Contributing Countries to United Nations Peace Operations. 

One of the barriers to the significant and growing participation of women in the security sector, whether within the institutions themselves or in peace operations, is the risk of facing situations of sexual harassment and abuse. 

In the study Blue on Blue: Investigating Sexual Abuse of Peacekeepers, conducted by the International Peace Institute, female uniformed peacekeepers interviewees emphasized that some of the biggest taboos and stigmas that need to be addressed are related to sexualized and discriminatory behavior, including sexism, racism, and sexual harassment. All 149 female respondents had personally experienced or witnessed sexual harassment or assault within their national defense structure while serving in a peacekeeping mission . 

To address this problem, the project implemented by RESDAL aims to strengthen interregional cooperation in Troops and Police Contributing Countries to United Nations Peace Operations in the Global South. In this regard, it seeks to promote dialogue and exchange of experiences among contributing countries in strengthening responses to the problem of sexual abuse and harassment. 

Another expected outcome of the project is to contribute to debate and monitoring by civil society and societies themselves at the national and regional levels. 

The project, which started in July 2023 and will run until March 2026, involves 20 Troops and Police Contributing Countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the MENA region. 

RESDAL has several global partners, including IAEN, the Ecuadorian State Graduate University, among others. It also counts on recognized regional academics and an internship program involving young talents from the four participating regions .