The United States government has pledged $3 million in collaboration with the Netherlands to support Ghana and Zambia in piloting women-specific body armor for peacekeeping efforts.
This initiative aims to address the evolving role of women in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions.
In 2023, the number of women serving as military peacekeepers reached approximately 4,800, with nearly 12,000 in formed police units.
The joint partnership seeks to provide specialized body armor tailored to the needs of women engaged in peacekeeping activities, acknowledging the significant contributions of diversity to peacekeeping efforts globally.
She added that “we know that women peacekeepers are more approachable to women and girls – and especially survivors of gender-based violence. They help ensure that peacekeeping missions are effectively communicating with communities they serve.
They offer valuable perspectives on conflict, reconciliation, and peacebuilding. And they serve as powerful role models for the next generation of peacekeepers – inspiring women and girls to imagine a future after conflict ends”.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the persistent challenge of underrepresentation of women in communities that require their presence, citing a major barrier – the inadequacy of “unisex” personal protective equipment, especially body armor, that does not properly fit women peacekeepers.
“And that is why we are thrilled to commit $3 million to a joint partnership with the Netherlands, to help Ghana and Zambia pilot women-specific body armor in peacekeeping,” she noted.
Women-specific body armor represents a significant step toward addressing gender-specific needs in peacekeeping operations. The tailored design aims to ensure that female peacekeepers have protective gear that fits comfortably, allowing for increased mobility and effectiveness in the field.
The joint initiative by the United States and the Netherlands, in collaboration with Ghana and Zambia, underscores the commitment to overcoming barriers and promoting the full and equal participation of women in peacekeeping missions.
Ambassador Greenfield expressed gratitude for the partnership, praising Ghana and Zambia for their consistent leadership in providing women peacekeepers not only with armor but also with the training, infrastructure, and support they need.
She added that “an investment in this armor is an investment in women – and in turn, an investment in entire communities. It’s long past time that we empower and protect these peacekeepers as they dedicate their lives to empowering and protecting civilians in conflict”.
Women in peacekeeping is one of the main themes of the 2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ghana, and partnership is a cross-cutting theme.