India Hosts Conference on Women Peacekeepers

India recently hosted a two-day conference in New Delhi focusing on women peacekeepers from the “global south.” The event saw participation from India and 34 countries contributing troops to the United Nations. Key topics included challenges in peacekeeping amid geopolitical uncertainties and prevention of sexual misconduct during missions.

UN Peacekeeping Operations

• The United Nations currently has 11 ongoing peacekeeping operations across three continents.
• Key rules of engagement include: 
  • Consent of the involved parties in a conflict
  • Impartiality
  • Non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate
• Peacekeepers are primarily serving military or police personnel.

Perspectives from Peacekeepers

• Highlighted the lack of women in leadership roles, especially in developing countries. 
• Emphasized the need for better gender representation in peacekeeping.
• Noted the significant impact of war on women and children. 
• Stressed that women peacekeepers can be effective problem-solvers. 
• Advocated for clear UN roles in peacekeeping, especially regarding funding sustainability in Africa.
• Called for strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping and urged global collaboration to resolve funding issues.

Statistics and Observations

• In 2022, women constituted: 
  • 5.9% of military contingents
  • 14.4% of police contingents
  • 43% of justice and corrections personnel
• Member states are responsible for deploying uniformed women.
• Deployed women comprise 0.8% of India’s troops for UN peacekeeping.

India's Role in Peacekeeping

• India has contributed approximately 200,000 troops to UN missions over 70 years.
• The Indian government conducts training sessions before deployment and aims to expand this initiative.
• India seeks to amplify the voices of “troops-contributing countries” from the global south.

The event, organized by India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence, is viewed against the backdrop of an India-China leadership rivalry in the developing world.