The Role of United Nations Peacekeeping Female Engagement Teams in Peace Support Operations in Africa: a Case Study of Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

For many years, women have faced disparities when it comes to military activities. While many countries now allow women to join the military, they still face discrimination when it comes to selection to serve in peacekeeping missions. Despite the challenges, a number of female teams have emerged that play a key role in peace support operations. This study sought to examine the role of United Nations peacekeeping female engagement teams in peace support operations in Africa: A case study of Democratic Republic of Congo. The main objective of the study was to examine the role of United Nations peacekeeping female engagement teams in peace support operations in Africa, a case of Female Engagement Teams (FET) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The three specific objectives used to guide the study were: to Analyze the role of Female Engagement Teams (FET) in United Nations peace support operations, examine the nature of Female Engagement Teams (FET) in peace support programs in Africa and assess the effectiveness of Female Engagement Teams (FET) in the pursuit for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study used descriptive research design to collect both primary and secondary data. The study was hinged on the standpoint theory of feminism and international relations. This theory assumes that gender plays a key role in in structuring how people perceive global matters, in this case, the participation of women in peace support operations in Africa. The study found that there are efforts to have women take part adequately in peace support operations through the four main pillars: participation, protection, post-conflict reconstruction and prevention. The study also found that in as much as FETs have served in a number of countries in Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mali and Somalia, they are still characterized by limited and stereotyped roles where women are assigned “softer” roles as compared to men. Lastly, the study found that the role of the FETs in the DRC was effective because female peacekeepers play a key role in ensuring that they act as role models in the host nation environment, inspiring girls and women in societies where males have been shown to dominate to participate in social justice duties and push for their own rights. The study recommends that the UN should develop proper guidelines on the operations of the female engagement teams; there is need to change the narrative and perception about the abilities of female soldiers in Africa; and African countries should come up with gender-balanced policies that promote the growth and development of female soldiers.