Authors: Marina Ika Sari and Yuli Ari Sulistyani*
In conflict zones, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) are urgent issues, with women and children being the most frequent victims. For instance, women who are perceived as family members of combatants often become targets of violence and harassment within their communities. More ironically, some are coerced into providing sexual favors in exchange for humanitarian aid. Addressing the specific needs of women and children victims of conflict requires a specific approach, especially in recovery, social assistance, and protection. Women peacekeepers play a key role in this regard, as their presence can be crucial in addressing GBV and CRSV more effectively.
Advancing the role of women in international peace and security is one of Indonesia’s foreign policy priorities. As the largest contributor of troops to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations (PKOs) among ASEAN member states, and the fifth-largest contributor globally, Indonesia has been a strong advocate for gender inclusion in peacekeeping operations. Indonesia first deployed women peacekeepers in 2008, starting with just two personnel. Since then, the number of female peacekeepers has grown significantly. According to UN data, as of August 31, 2024, Indonesia has deployed a total of 2,738 military personnel to peacekeeping operations, including 2,561 men and 177 women peacekeepers.
In addition to increasing the number of women peacekeepers, Indonesia played a leading role in initiating the UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2538 on the deployment of women troops in UN Peacekeeping Operations. This resolution, passed on August 28, 2020, aligns with the framework established by UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. UNSCR 2538 aims to strengthen efforts to ensure the full, effective, and meaningful participation of women at all levels and positions within peacekeeping operations.
Key elements of UNSCR 2538, as highlighted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, include increasing the deployment of uniformed women to peacekeeping missions, enhancing training and capacity-building cooperation, establishing networks and databases of female personnel, improving safety and security, providing special facilities for women personnel, and fostering cooperation with the UN and regional organizations.
Indonesia made history as a non-permanent member of the Security Council from 2019 to 2020, where it successfully pushed for the ratification of UNSCR 2538 by consensus. This resolution was co-sponsored by 97 UN member states. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Indonesian diplomacy, underscoring the country’s commitment to increasing the role of women in global peacekeeping missions.
Women Peacekeepers’ Roles in Peacebuilding Processes
Women peacekeepers represent a unique and vital element in UN peacekeeping operations. In 1993, a few female personnel were involved in peacekeeping operations, comprising only about one percent of the total force. While there are generally no differences between men and women peacekeepers in terms of their duties, there are specific tasks that women can undertake due to cultural boundaries that may limit men from doing so. In situations where there are no such cultural restrictions, women peacekeepers can often establish mutual trust more easily with women, children, and local communities.
Women play an essential role in conflict prevention, conflict management, and post-conflict peacebuilding. In the case of Indonesia, the roles of women peacekeepers in UN PKOs include: (1) securing border areas by screening women crossing borders or arriving at international airports; (2) assisting with physical recovery and post-conflict trauma care for women and children who are victims of war; (3) engaging with victims in ways that may not be possible for male peacekeepers due to cultural restrictions; (4) gathering information from survivors of sexual violence; and (5) advocating for women, children, and former combatants during the demobilization and reintegration process into civilian life.
Moreover, women peacekeepers are often more attuned to local environmental and cultural contexts, which can help improve community acceptance and facilitate trust-building. Given the specific needs of women and children in conflict areas, Indonesian women peacekeepers engage in community outreach through Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programs. CIMIC is a key initiative aimed at improving relations between the military and local civilian populations, while directly benefiting the community. Various CIMIC activities include providing medical assistance (e.g., healthcare, medical clinics, and training), offering informal education (such as teaching children and building libraries), and organizing cultural events.
Overall, women peacekeepers play a significant role in fostering sustainable peace by addressing the psycho-social aspects of conflict. Their unique perspectives and access to certain groups provide them with advantages that male peacekeepers may not have, enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.
Indonesian women peacekeepers have earned widespread recognition for their humanitarian work, receiving positive responses and trust from local communities. Their success in winning the hearts of local populations is often facilitated through CIMIC initiatives. For example, Indonesian women peacekeepers deployed in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) played a key role in the Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Reintegration, and Resettlement (DDRRR) process, particularly in facilitating the handover of weapons from one of the warring parties. This success highlights the trust local communities place in the ability of Indonesian women peacekeepers to maintain peace and security. Thus, CIMIC can be seen as a critical factor in the success of peacekeeping operations conducted by Indonesian troops.
According to the concept of defense diplomacy outlined by Cottey and Foster, the deployment of Indonesian women peacekeepers can be viewed as part of Indonesia’s defense diplomacy. As defense actors, Indonesian women peacekeepers not only contribute military assistance to maintain peace but also foster confidence-building measures (CBMs) with local communities, enhancing the overall success of peacekeeping efforts.
Conclusion
In line with UNSCR 2538, gender-sensitive peacekeeping operations have proven to foster policies and practices that not only increase the number of women peacekeepers but also enhance the overall performance and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. Indonesia’s commitment to promoting the participation of women as peace agents, particularly through the deployment of women in blue helmets, has garnered international recognition and praise. The credibility and active participation of Indonesia have been key factors driving the UN’s strong demand for the country to expand its personnel contributions to peacekeeping operations.
*Yuli Ari Sulistyani, Journalist, Indonesia Defense Magazine
