RESDAL helps disseminate new Elsie Initiative Fund project for uniformed women in South Sudan

The Elsie Initiative Fund has announced a two-year pilot project with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to improve living and deployment conditions for uniformed women in remote areas. 

The Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) announced new funding for a two-year pilot project with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), aiming to improve conditions for uniformed women deployed in remote locations. 

Assessments conducted by UNMISS between 2022 and 2024 identified that accommodation, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in Company and Temporary Operating Bases (COBs and TOBs), as well as during Long Duration Patrols (LDPs), disproportionately affect women, limiting their effective contribution. 

Currently, women represent only 5% of military personnel and 9% of police personnel deployed in remote bases, despite their vital role in peace operations. 

The pilot project seeks to address these gaps by: 

●     Installing ten relocatable hygiene modules in remote bases.

●     Distributing over 1,000 personal sanitation kits, including portable toilets and other support devices for patrol deployments.

These measures will create safer and more dignified conditions for women, enabling their full participation in mission-critical tasks and strengthening engagement with local communities. 

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, emphasized: “This project is not just about infrastructure – it’s about dignity, safety, and operational effectiveness. Providing women peacekeepers with the right facilities ensures they can fully contribute to lasting peace in South Sudan.” 

With over 13,000 uniformed personnel, UNMISS seeks to increase women’s participation in line with the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy. 

About the Elsie Initiative Fund 

The EIF is the only global fund dedicated to removing barriers and accelerating the meaningful participation of women in UN peacekeeping. Hosted by UN Women and funded by countries including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom, the Fund supports security sector reform, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy. More information: elsiefund.org