Female Leadership in Peacekeeping Missions Training Course

Introduction

The presence and influence of women in leadership roles are increasingly recognized as critical for the effectiveness, credibility, and overall success of modern peacekeeping missions. This 5-day training course on Female Leadership in Peacekeeping Missions provides a specialized platform for exploring the unique contributions, challenges, and opportunities for women serving in leadership positions across military, police, and civilian components. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how female leaders enhance operational effectiveness, build trust with local communities, improve protection outcomes, and advance the broader Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, while navigating complex professional and cultural landscapes.

This intensive program is designed for current and aspiring female leaders in uniformed and civilian roles within peacekeeping missions, as well as those involved in recruitment, training, and policy development for mission leadership. It will equip attendees with practical leadership skills, strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, and insights into fostering an inclusive mission environment. By championing and developing female leadership, this course aims to contribute directly to more gender-responsive, effective, and legitimate peace operations that better serve the needs of all conflict-affected populations.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Female military officers and NCOs aspiring to or currently in leadership roles in peacekeeping.
  • Female police officers (UNPOL) preparing for or serving in leadership positions.
  • Female civilian staff in UN peacekeeping missions at P-3 level and above, or aspiring to leadership.
  • Human Resources and Gender Focal Points in peacekeeping missions or contributing countries.
  • Peacekeeping trainers and instructors involved in leadership development.
  • Policymakers and government officials focused on increasing women's representation in peace operations.
  • Leaders of women's peacebuilding organizations working with peacekeeping missions.

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate the strategic importance and unique contributions of female leadership in peacekeeping missions.
  • Understand the specific challenges and barriers faced by women in leadership roles within uniformed and civilian components.
  • Develop practical leadership skills and strategies applicable to complex peacekeeping environments.
  • Identify mechanisms for fostering an inclusive mission culture that supports female leaders and all personnel.
  • Advocate for policies and practices that promote the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in peacekeeping leadership.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Strategic Importance of Female Leadership in Peacekeeping

  • The case for female leadership: enhancing effectiveness, credibility, and community trust.
  • Unique contributions of female leaders: improved access, intelligence gathering, protection outcomes (especially for women and children).
  • The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda and its relevance to female leadership.
  • Global trends and targets for increasing women's participation and leadership in peace operations.
  • Breaking stereotypes: challenging assumptions about leadership qualities and roles.

Module 2: Understanding Leadership in Peacekeeping Contexts

  • Core leadership theories and styles: applicability in multicultural, high-stress environments.
  • Ethical leadership and decision-making in complex operational settings.
  • Leading diverse teams: cultural intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution.
  • The specific demands of leadership in integrated UN missions (military, police, civilian).
  • Adapting leadership styles to different phases of a mission.

Module 3: Challenges and Barriers for Female Leaders in Peacekeeping

  • Systemic and institutional barriers: recruitment, promotion, unconscious bias.
  • Cultural and social norms in uniformed services and host countries.
  • Gender-based discrimination, harassment, and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).
  • Work-life balance challenges and family responsibilities.
  • Navigating perceptions and expectations in male-dominated environments.

Module 4: Developing Personal Leadership Skills for Peacekeeping

  • Strategic communication and effective negotiation.
  • Decision-making under pressure and crisis management.
  • Mentorship, coaching, and sponsoring within a mission context.
  • Building resilience, managing stress, and self-care for leaders.
  • Enhancing visibility and influence in formal and informal networks.

Module 5: Fostering an Inclusive Mission Environment

  • Creating a supportive and enabling environment for all personnel, with a focus on women.
  • Challenging discriminatory practices and promoting gender sensitivity.
  • Establishing effective reporting and accountability mechanisms for harassment and misconduct.
  • Promoting gender-inclusive policies on facilities, rotations, and family support.
  • The role of male allies in supporting female leadership and gender equality.

Module 6: Female Leadership in Protection of Civilians (PoC) and Human Rights

  • How female leaders enhance PoC: improving access to affected communities, building trust.
  • Specific contributions of female peacekeepers to addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
  • Integrating human rights principles into leadership and operational planning.
  • Leading by example in upholding the UN Code of Conduct and zero tolerance for SEA.
  • The critical link between female leadership and credible protection efforts.

Module 7: Strategic Advocacy for Female Leadership and WPS Implementation

  • Advocating for increased female representation at all levels of peacekeeping.
  • Influencing policy and funding decisions for gender-responsive peacekeeping.
  • Leveraging the WPS agenda to promote female leadership opportunities.
  • Networking with national and international stakeholders.
  • Communicating the value and impact of female leadership to diverse audiences.

Module 8: Case Studies, Lessons Learned, and Future Directions

  • Analyzing successful examples of female leadership in past and present missions.
  • Identifying key lessons learned from challenges faced by female leaders.
  • Exploring emerging trends and opportunities for female leadership development.
  • Developing individual action plans for career advancement and impactful leadership.
  • The long-term vision for gender-responsive peacekeeping led by diverse leaders.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Female Leadership In Peacekeeping Missions Training Course in Kenya
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