Women and International Peacekeeping

This work focuses on women's participation in peacekeeping operations and what needs to be considered regarding the role and circumstances of women, including those in relation to the host society. This volume opens with an article offering historical insights that reflect on the contemporary relevance of two ancient Greek plays, "Antigone" and "Lysistrata". The latter was referred to by Nelson Mandela in his efforts to negotiate the conflict in Burundi. The following essay is a theoretical perspective on women and war, highlighting the difference between post-modernist and universalist approaches to women's roles in peacemaking and conflict resolution. Other topics include the role of women in military operations, the implications of the high levels of sexual violence in peacekeeping operations and the UN's gender policy for peacekeeping operations. Case studies include Macedonia, the only preventative operation in which it is possible to discuss gender implications on security. In view of the extendedperiod of time in which UNIFIL operated in Lebanon, it is valuable to compare operations before and after the inclusion of women on the staff. The peacekeeping mission in Namibia is notable as the UN's first multi-dimensional operation and as an operation in which women constituted a large part of the civilian staff is also examined.