In international peacekeeping, a transformative shift is unfolding—one that goes beyond simply increasing the number of women to fundamentally reimagining how security institutions function. At the forefront of this change is the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) at UN Women. Through a systemic and evidence-based approach, EIF tackles the structural barriers—laws, policies, institutional cultures, and social norms—that have long prevented women from thriving in peacekeeping roles. Manager Deborah Warren Smith emphasizes that the EIF’s mission is not about filling quotas but about creating lasting institutional change that values women as integral contributors to peace and security.
One of the most persistent challenges identified by the EIF is the deeply ingrained masculine culture within military and police organizations, where toughness is often equated with competence. Women who defy these norms can face exclusion or harassment. To confront this, EIF applies the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOIP) methodology, a diagnostic tool that maps gender-related barriers and helps nations design data-driven solutions. Liberia, for example, used MOIP findings to introduce physical training programs for women, which led to improved recruitment and retention rates.
Unlike traditional initiatives that treat gender imbalance as a recruitment issue, the Elsie Initiative views it as a symptom of institutional dysfunction. It shifts the focus from individuals to systems, working collaboratively with nations to co-create reforms—ranging from equitable parental leave policies to access to specialized training. This participatory model ensures national ownership and sustainability, transforming good intentions into concrete operational change.
The EIF’s “Gender Strong Unit” model exemplifies this systemic approach. These units surpass UN parity benchmarks, with women in leadership and technical roles. Senegal’s Gender Strong Unit, commanded by a woman multiple times, demonstrates how diverse leadership enhances performance. The presence of more women has led to improved team cohesion, collaboration, and stronger community engagement, proving that gender inclusion directly contributes to mission effectiveness.
EIF’s influence extends beyond culture to structural transformation. In Zambia, for instance, the police are implementing anti-sexual harassment and abuse policies to create safer, more accountable workplaces. Each intervention builds momentum toward a broader goal—embedding gender equality into the very DNA of peacekeeping institutions.
As part of its broader advocacy, EIF is launching the “When Women Lead” campaign this November to celebrate the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The digital campaign will feature stories and interviews with trailblazing women leaders such as Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, Commissioner Binetou Guisse, and Major General Anita Asmah. These narratives underscore the tangible outcomes of inclusive peacekeeping and demonstrate how women’s leadership strengthens missions and communities alike.
Looking ahead, the Elsie Initiative Fund envisions a future where gender inclusion is synonymous with operational excellence. As Deborah Warren Smith explains, the goal is for nations to integrate women, peace, and security principles into their core frameworks, shifting the global conversation from counting women to evaluating effectiveness through inclusion. This paradigm represents not just progress for women but a more capable, collaborative, and community-driven model of peacekeeping—one that benefits all.
