Gender Mainstreaming In Peacekeeping Operations ... - Resdal

sexual violence, and is cited by the community as a deterrent
and response mechanism.
The Unit acts as a deterrent for SGBV by keeping the area secure and
by establishing strong communication networks with community
members. The Unit also provides sensitization mechanisms for
educating community members through frequent discussions
about preventing rape. Finally, the FPU is a resource for women in
the community to report experienced assault.
The FPU has participated in innovative and creative partnerships
that have resulted in increased sensitization of Liberian women
and girls to take on like roles. A third outcome is increased
interest in Security Sector Reform (SSR) occupations for women
in Liberia. To promote recruitment within the LNP, the Indian FPU
and Nigerian women peacekeepers visited high school-age girls
at a college fair on UN Peacekeepers Day. According to UNPOL
and the LNP, the event was very successful and LNP officers
reported a higher than average number of information forms
being requested and returned, and a heightened interest by
high schoolers to interact with the unit. Women and girls in the
community report the FPU’s presence as increasing knowledge
about various careers that women are capable of undertaking.
Women also serve UNMIL as civilian peacekeepers, holding the
mission’s highest post, that of the SRSG, as well as its second
highest, the post of Deputy SRSG for Rule of Law. In these roles
women provide important mission leadership functions in all
mandated areas of peacekeeping operations. Their presence
has illustrated to the Liberian community and the international
community that women are capable and relevant actors at the
highest level of decision making for effective peacekeeping,
recovery and development processes.
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