The deployment of female peacekeepers in any mission provides meaningful contribution to solidifying peace and security gains in any mission. The female peacekeepers also stand as role models in the local environment, inspiring women and girls in societies which are dominated by men.

In the lead up to International Women’s Day, The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif applauded the importance of female peacekeepers in any mission during a meeting with female peacekeepers from the Troop and Police Contributing Countries of AMISOM in Mogadishu.

Ambassador Annadif said female peacekeepers deployed in Somalia are regarded as role models by the local population as they provide leadership to local institutions and address gender based discrimination.

“From fighting on the front line, training the Somali Police Force to treating the wounded civilians in the AMISOM hospital in Mogadishu; all of you have been pivotal in the process of building peace in Somalia,” said Ambassador Annadif.

He said that the courage, determination and contribution to the peacekeeping mission in Somalia are invaluable adding that “The presence of female peacekeepers also decreases the prevalence of sexual abuse and misconduct by other peacekeepers.”

Ambassador Annadif said AMISOM Gender Unit conducts regular training for the military, police and civilian wing of the peacekeeping mission as well as for Somali professionals working with AMISOM, on the importance of combating sexual exploitation and abuse among other human rights abuses.

Newly deployed female peacekeeper from Uganda, Major Rane Mwesigwa, said: “The biggest challenge we face as female peacekeepers is that we come to the mission with baggage, we have families and responsibilities back home and as much as you are here in the mission you are still carrying those responsibilities. Sometimes our male counterparts do not understand the challenges we face of juggling two worlds – you must remain a mother, a wife, you must be efficient and you must perform in all areas.”

Chief Inspector Purity Muthoni from Kenya said female peacekeepers deployed in Somalia are committed and hardworking individuals who understand the nature of the mission. “It is exciting to be a female peacekeeper with AMISOM, to work amongst fellow police women drawn from various countries in Africa.” she said.

Sergeant Lieutenant Jeannette Mintonte from Burundi said: “We came to maintain peace, security and stability in Somalia. We want to engage with the Somali women, to impart our knowledge from our respective countries to make Somalia a better place for all”.

Like other peacekeepers, the female peacekeepers serve for one year. This is home to many and when they retreat, home is a military barracks where they tell bedtime stories to their toddlers via a phone call.