UN to attempt to boost the number of women in peacekeeping uniforms

With only trace numbers of women in uniformed posts in peacekeeping missions, the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations will hold policy meetings tomorrow and Wednesday aimed at coming up with ways to increase their participation.

Although the numbers of civilian positions held by women in peacekeeping has increased recently to 27 per cent, the percentage of women in the military and police units remains far too low, at one per cent and four per cent respectively, a UN spokesperson said today.

The meetings will bring together senior military and police officers from troop contributing countries and as well as countries that have hosted peacekeeping operations. In addition, women personnel serving in current peacekeeping missions, representatives of women’s organizations and high-level representatives from some member States are expected to attend.