Advancing Women’s Leadership in Global Peace Operations

Nairobi: Friday, March 27, 2026 — UN Women Kenya Country Representative Ms. Antonia N'Gabala Sodonon officially opened the Women’s Military Peace Operations Course (WMPOC) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, bringing together women military officers from across the globe to strengthen their leadership, skills and participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The training, convened by the International Peace Support Training Centre in partnership with UN Women, is supported by the governments of Austria, Finland and the United Kingdom, alongside UN Peacekeeping and the Elsie Initiative Fund, marks a significant step in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and addressing gender gaps in global peace operations.

The WMPOC is a strategic training programme designed to advance the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping missions. It aligns with key global frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2242 (2015) and 2538 (2020), as well as the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028). Building on the foundation of Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security, the initiative underscores the critical role women play in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery. At its core, the WMPOC seeks to build a pipeline of skilled women leaders ready for deployment in UN peace operations while enhancing the effectiveness of missions by increasing the pool of trained female officers within troop-contributing countries and promoting gender parity at all levels of leadership. 

Running from March 27 to April 17, 2026, the three-week course that brings the 21 participants from 10 UN member states: Republic of Austria, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Liberia, Kingdom of Morocco, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Senegal, Republic of the Gambia, Republic of Uganda, Republic of Zambia, and Republic of Zimbabwe features a comprehensive modular structure covering leadership, pre-deployment training, and specialized instruction for military staff officers.

Speaking during the launch, Ms. Antonia N'Gabala Sodonon described the initiative as both timely and critical in the current global context, noting that “at a time when women’s rights are under pressure globally, investing in women’s leadership in peace operations is not just a matter of equality, it is a matter of global security.” She added that it was “exciting to see women coming from all over the world, working in the same space and sharing experiences,” emphasizing that “this course is not simply timely, it is essential.”

Ms. Antonia also pointed to the persistent gender gap in peacekeeping, noting that “women constitute only about 10 percent of UN uniformed peacekeeping personnel, and even fewer in military roles,” adding that “at senior levels, the gap is even greater.” She underscored the transformative impact of women’s participation, telling participants, “your presence here is not symbolic, it is transformational. You are the leaders and role models who will shape the future of peacekeeping.” 

Course Director Lieutenant Colonel Emma Bucknell, Commandant from UN Women Headquarters, reinforced the operational importance of the programme, stating that “the policy foundations are clear, lasting peace requires the full, equal and meaningful participation of women,” and that “this course exists to translate that into practice.” She noted that over the three-week training, participants would build skills in leadership, decision-making and the protection of civilians in complex mission environments.

Lieutenant Colonel Emma Bucknell, Commandant further underscored the proven value of women in peacekeeping operations, stating that “the evidence is unambiguous. When women serve in peacekeeping operations, missions are more effective,” and emphasized that “your participation is not a concession to inclusion, it is a force multiplier.” 

Brig Gen C K Mundui, Commandant of the Humanitarian Peace Support School, welcomed participants, describing the institution as a centre of excellence in peace support training. He noted that “our programmes are designed to equip military, police and civilian personnel with the knowledge and practical skills required for effective peace operations,” while acknowledging that “women continue to fulfil a crucial role in peace operations, yet they remain underrepresented.”

He added that “this course is meant to prepare you to meet the expectations of leadership in complex environments,” urging participants to demonstrate competence, assertiveness and proactiveness.

In her closing remarks, Ms. N’Gabala Sodonon reiterated the importance of partnerships in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, noting that “together, we are not only training individuals, but we are also transforming systems.” She also commended Kenya’s leadership, stating that “by hosting this course, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to gender equality in the security sector and to strengthening women’s leadership globally.” 

The WMPOC stands as a critical investment in building a more representative, effective, and resilient global peace and security architecture, one where women are not just participants, but leaders shaping the future of peace operations worldwide.