Peacekeepers’ deployment in the restive parts of globe is imperative for the facilitation of the most vulnerable people subjected to dangerous and hazardous conditions in those regions. The contributions of corresponding gender responses in peacekeeping engagements are significant and they are duly acknowledged by the United Nations as well. The expansion of women’s role in the UN operations is reflective of the immense and critical contributions of females to enhance the overall peace and security. It is a proven fact that women and children are the most affected groups in any of the post-conflict scenarios. 

Peacekeepers’ fundamental role to rehabilitate conflict-ridden communities necessitates a healing touch to women and children by mitigating the hazards of conflict these communities have been subjected to. Women’s rights, and understanding women’s issues to transform the core political and economic uplift have also become important in security-related policymaking. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution-1325’s explicit recognition of women’s ability to tackle conflicts and rehabilitate affected women is the principal reason behind female peacekeeper participation in the UN peacekeeping missions. The Female Engagement Team (FET) is another dimension wherein female peacekeepers are specifically trained and deployed to access areas and segments of the population often closed off to men. That enables their presence among communities, which can help provide insight into core challenges and offer opportunities to address gender-specific issues especially those related to women empowerment. The key purpose identified for the female peacekeepers when interacting with the affected masses is to provide an interface on the issues concerning women and children while contributing towards Trust and Confidence Building Measures (TCBM) in the mission areas. Their frequent interaction with local women and children allows them to identify and register key concerns and work towards addressing their needs. Women serve as inspiration in societies affected by conflict, but also advocate for gender-sensitive initiatives across peace and security processes.
Pakistan has been one of the most significant troop contributors in UN peacekeeping missions since 1960. According to official statistics, Pakistan has contributed over 230,000 troops across 29 countries on four continents. Pakistan’s troops render their services in diverse conditions to promote peace, such as through confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, economic and social development, or protecting civilians in war-ravaged lands. Officers of Pakistan Army have risen above all expectations and served humanity. To date, Pakistan has deployed over 450 female peacekeepers, who have performed remarkably well in mission areas, primarily in African regions, and their services have received worldwide applause. These lady officers have been a source of motivation for the females in conflict-ridden regions across Africa. Their interaction and services as community advisors are always praiseworthy, earning a good name individually and for Pakistan. These women of substance contribute far more than just participating in peacekeeping operations; they perform a wide range of tasks as psychologists, stress counsellors, vocational training officers, gender advisers, doctors, nurses, Operations’ Officers, Information Officers, Public Relation Officers, and logistics officers. The role of the Pakistan Army Female Engagement Team (FET) in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, focusing on empowering women and children has been instrumental in elevating the well-being of women. Through community engagement and capacity building, FETs contributed to promote gender equality and safeguarding the welfare of children in conflict-affected areas. Despite facing cultural and logistical challenges, FET officers’ innovative strategies to overcome obstacles and advance the UN’s peacekeeping agenda in the region has proven effective and successful.
The first Pakistani FET was deployed in South Kivu, in MONUSCO in June 2019. The team was reinforced with an additional seventeen Pakistani lady officers in February 2020. Pakistani FETs remained engaged in tasks such as community outreach and engagement, while planning and conducting various activities with the local community. These interactions by women peacekeepers facilitated reaching out to women and children of war-affected areas, which otherwise remained a difficult task for male peacekeepers. These female peacekeepers serve as powerful advisors and role models for women and girls in post-conflict settings in the host country, setting examples for them to advocate for their own rights and pursue unorthodox careers. The social and cultural barriers that male peacekeepers encounter in communicating with local women are effectively bridged by female peacekeepers, who provide a sense of security that fosters trust and wins hearts. Female peacekeepers, especially stress counsellors, have greatly helped in building trust and gaining confidence of the local population. Female peacekeepers working as Public Relations Officers (PROs) have been facilitating use of modern media and perception management to identify how their respective missions are being perceived both domestically and internationally. These females extended help in emphasizing the role of these perceptions as a basis for evaluating and improving these operations, thereby contributing towards effective perception management as per mission mandate. Public perception is key, and effective media management plays a crucial role in portraying a positive image of UN peacekeepers internationally. Pakistani female peacekeepers have served as legal advisors and played an effective role by gathering information regarding violations of human rights and cases of violence against local women and children in the outbreak of civil war, in order to bring the miscreants to justice and protect the civilians.
In addition to their direct contributions on the ground, Pakistani women in peacekeeping missions have also helped shift the perception of peacekeeping itself. Once traditionally viewed as a male-dominated field, peacekeeping is now increasingly recognized as a domain where women can and should play a central role. The success of Pakistani women peacekeepers in fulfilling critical roles, from healthcare to public relations and community engagement, highlights the transformative power of women’s participation in peacekeeping missions. Their work has demonstrated that peacekeeping missions are more effective and inclusive when women are involved, as they bring unique perspectives and approaches to conflict resolution and peace-building. The presence of women in peacekeeping missions also help to reduce the incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, as their engagement with the local population creates a safer and more supportive environment for women to report such incidents and seek help.
Overall, the contribution of Pakistani women in the military, particularly in the UN peacekeeping missions, underscores the importance of gender diversity in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts. Their roles in healthcare, public relations, and community engagement have been instrumental in stabilizing the war-torn regions and promoting long-term peace. As Pakistan continues to support UN peacekeeping missions, the inclusion of more women in these efforts will undoubtedly strengthen the impact of these missions and pave the way for a more peaceful and equitable world. The work of these women serves as a testament to the power of empowerment and the critical role that women can play in shaping the future of peace and security at both national and international levels. HH

The author is an independent researcher who writes on issues concerning national and regional security, focusing on matters having critical impact in these milieus. 
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