Workshop on Women Protection in PKOs
Itaipava (RJ) - Between 24 and 28 November, there was the Workshop on Women Protection in PKOs - an international event coordinated by the Ministry of Defense and carried out by the Brazilian Peace Operations Joint Training Center. Having representatives from Argentina, Uruguay and Ecuador, either military personnel or civilians, the event met the demands of the Latin American Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers. Civilians institutions were represented by Igarapé Institute, Pandiá Calógeras Institute, São Paulo University and Fluminense Federal University. Lieutenant General Álvaro Gonçalves Wanderley, Deputy Chief of Peace Operations in the Brazilian Armed Forces Joint Staff, chaired the opening ceremony. The event discussed relevant aspects regarding normative instruments, structures on the ground and peacekeepers procedures towards the protection of women in conflict areas where UN PKOs were established.
It also highlighted the cultural aspect to be tackled by female military personnel in mission, including the relationship with colleagues in team, which is mitigated by UN standard procedures. During the event, it was demonstrated the advantage of having women accomplish some social tasks, especially when assisting local women - a difficulty for men. Through the week, there were presentations about the participants' experience in missions and some group works followed by lessons learned debates. As to Dr. Nadine Gasman, representative from the UN Women Office in Brazil, it is indispensable to highlight gender perspective during peace mission trainings so that Resolution 1325 and other regulations of the UN Security Council be implemented.
LTG Álvaro commented that the difficulty to implement those resolutions is due to a misunderstanding of the relations between lasting peace and gender approach, also remarking that women keep being underrepresented in peace efforts - from diplomats involved in peace mediation/negotiation processes to military and police personnel in the field. LTG Álvaro also spoke about the responsibility of Brazil in this process because of its expressive participation in peace missions, contributing with several contingents. The country has been gradually accomplishing its mission.
Translation: CPT ISRAEL
