UNISFA has officially joined the Pilot Network for Uniformed Women Peacekeepers. A launch ceremony was held at the mission headquarters on 21 November, marking a significant step towards the attainment of gender parity and inclusion. The virtual event brought together women peacekeepers from the military, police, and justice and corrections components from three missions as well as Headquarters leadership.

The network, which marks its one-year anniversary, was initially launched in UNMISS in 2023. It aligns with the broader objectives of the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, which seeks to achieve increased and meaningful participation of uniformed women in peacekeeping by 2028. To date, more than 400 women peacekeepers have joined the initiative, which is providing an important platform for them to connect, share experiences, and support each other in their unique experiences as peacekeepers.

UNISFA Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani, who represented UNISFA leadership at the event, encouraged all women peacekeepers in the mission to join the network and contribute to its success. He reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to advancing the goals of the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, emphasizing that the initiative goes beyond achieving numerical parity.

“Gender parity is not just about numbers. It’s about creating an environment where women in uniform have meaningful tasks, serve in leadership, and are supported throughout their service,” said Brig. Gen. Umrani.  “We are immensely proud of the strides we have made, with women comprising 7% of our troops, 20% of Military Staff Officers, 35% of Military Observers, and an impressive 42% of UNPOL personnel. But our work is far from over,”.

 “Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive peacekeeping community that reflects the diversity and resilience of the communities we serve,” he added.

The event was attended by representative from UN Headquarters, including the Director of DPPA-DPO CSS, Fatemeh Ziai; Line Holmung Andersen from the UNHQ Pilot Network Team; Brigadier General Mohammad Nazmul Haque, Chief of Staff of the Office of Military Affairs; Faisal Shahkar, Police Adviser from the Police Division; and Robert Pulver, Chief of Service for Justice and Corrections. UNMISS and MINURSO representatives also participated in the event.

By joining the network, UNISFA aims to provide all women in uniform with the platform to amplify their voices as well as opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and collaboration.  Supported by Germany and led by the Department of Peace Operations, the network provides a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and foster innovations to enhance women’s participation in peacekeeping. It also underscores the critical need to ensure women are not only present but empowered to take on leadership roles and contribute meaningfully to peacekeeping operations.

The launch event was also an opportunity to celebrate progress while acknowledging the challenges ahead. With women currently comprising only 10% of all uniformed personnel globally, initiatives like the Pilot Network are essential to closing this gap and ensuring the voices of female peacekeepers are amplified.