Gender and Peacekeeping: An Evolving Field of Practice

The author focuses on the UN's approach to improving women's rights in its peacekeeping process. The article provides an overview of the reasons for and the results of the 2000 UNSCR 1325. Specifically, the author addresses the importance of a gendered perspective in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. This perspective recognizes that women play multiple roles during conflict (beyond victims) and often take on new, often public, societal roles post-conflict. As part of its strategy, the UN considers women in strategies for disarmament, and in electoral and legal reforms. The author argues that there is still room to improve UN peacekeeping initiatives to continue to foster gender equality post-conflict.