As of December 2020, women constituted only 5% of military contingents and 14% of formed police units.
While these stats have improved since 2019, efforts must be accelerated to reach the target of 15% and 20% respectively by 2028.
Improving the working and living conditions in field missions (including accommodations, ablutions, camp layouts, and recreational spaces) is one of the four priority action areas identified in the UN System-wide Gender Parity Strategy.
In 2019, the Office of Supply Chain Management (OSCM) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) launched the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions¡¯ Facilities & Infrastructure project to help increase and retain women civilian/uniformed personnel in peacekeeping operations.
The first phase of the project provided missions with design recommendations and guidelines to support their efforts to enhance camp elements that affect individual well-being and performance, and which also directly impact the Organization¡¯s ability to attract women to serve in field missions.
¡°The input we have received from our stakeholders and partners was fundamental for the successful completion and endorsement of all the designs, concepts and recommendations,¡± noted Scott Hastings, Chief Engineering Support Section, OSCM.
¡°We look forward to working with the missions on implementing individual plans. Sometimes, the slightest changes can have a very drastic and positive impact on physical and mental well-being, privacy, and social interaction.¡±
The 2nd phase of the project will focus on supporting missions¡¯ efforts in the actual implementation of the enhanced accommodation standards.
Furthermore, the scope has been expanded to review and identify opportunities for improvement and innovative solutions across the supply chain service delivery area, to create an enabling environment for gender equality.
In keeping with , one of OSCM key objectives is to work with partners, including suppliers, to provide our clients with gender-sensitive supply chain solutions.
This starts with improving safety and the standard of living and working conditions and then expands to all areas of support provision.
For more information, review the project page.
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