UN peace operations cannot build sustainable peace if they marginalize women’s contributions and ignore gender dynamics within UN missions and in the contexts where they operate. Since 2019, IPI has partnered with the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, led by Global Affairs Canada, for two multiyear projects on gender and peace operations. The aim is not just to increase the number of uniformed women peacekeepers but to understand their experiences and address systemic barriers to their meaningful participation. In addition to research, this project builds networks among researchers, policymakers, and uniformed women.

One focus of IPI’s work on gender and peace operations has been the taboos and stigmas facing military women in UN peace operations. IPI has interviewed hundreds of women about their experiences before and during deployment to identify strategies to mitigate gender biases, the perpetuation of gender stereotypes, and discriminatory and sexualized behavior. Relatedly, IPI has also surveyed peacekeepers to document the prevalence of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment not only in host communities but also within UN missions. The findings from this research have informed training programs, policy reforms, and advocacy efforts to create more inclusive peacekeeping environments. Additional research has focused on the evolution of gendered community engagement in UN peace operations and the role of gender advisers in UN missions.

More recently, IPI has expanded its work on gender and peace operations to also focus on non-UN operations, including African-led peace support operations and counter-gang operations in Haiti.