On 13 March, UNISFA celebrated International Women’s Day at the mission headquarters to highlight the contributions of uniformed and civilian peacekeepers to its mandate implementation. A women’s walk kicked off the event which concluded with a focus group discussion.

Ag Head of Mission and Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Robert Affram, stated his commitment to the Secretary-General’s clarion call on gender equality and gender-responsive leadership. He commended the contribution of female peacekeepers, while underscoring that their participation boosts operational effectiveness and community engagement. “With more women on board, we have a broader reach in communities - as women personnel may sometimes be let into areas where men cannot go. Our remarkable women also serve as role models to young women and girls in the local communities,” he said.

“I am committed to a gender-responsive leadership, and to these priorities set by the Secretary-General. Indeed, these are values that reflect the very core values and principles of the United Nations. These are values that are of benefit not only to the women, but to all of us.”

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on the 8th of March. This year’s 50th anniversary of IWD was celebrated under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment highlighted the UNs’ ongoing efforts to achieve gender parity across its workforce.

UNISFA has made notable strides, with 35% of its military observers now being women, and an increasing number of female police officers joining UNPOL. Maj. Gen. Affram emphasized that while it is important to achieve gender parity in numbers, it is equally critical to ensure that women have meaningful roles and leadership opportunities.

Other notable strides include the smartcamp project, which has introduced modern and gender-sensitive facilities, and the Elsie Initiative Fund, which is set to establish female-specific gyms at main camps. The mission is also part of the Pilot Network for Uniformed Women, providing mentoring and networking opportunities for female personnel.

The celebration concluded with a women-only focus group town hall meeting where women shared their experiences on serving in the field with suggestions to the mission on improvements and future networking with women.