The following video is one piece in a collection on our VOICES blog focused on the gendered experience in conflict and how gender differences should factor into the protection of civilians.
In many of the countries where peacekeeping operations are deployed, gender-based violence (GBV) and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) are taking place at significant levels with devastating consequences. Unfortunately, peacekeeping missions don’t always have the right personnel with the training and skills to fully support implementation of their mandate to protect civilians, including preventing and responding to CRSV.
In this video, our Senior Peacekeeping Researcher, Lauren Spink, explains the impact of including dedicated gender specialists in peacekeeping missions, including Gender Advisors, Women Protection Advisors, and Force Gender Advisors, and suggests practical steps UN Member States should take to better address sexual violence: