The Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FACI), has become the latest security institution to complete a Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) barrier assessment. This new evidence base is a milestone in Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to increase the participation of uniformed women in United Nations (UN) peace operations and to promote a more … Continue reading Côte d’Ivoire release new study on women’s participation in peacekeeping
Suva, 30 June 2026 – New findings from the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) assessments of Fiji’s police and military highlight how inclusive reforms can strengthen the country’s peacekeeping contribution. The Republic of Fiji Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA), in partnership with the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF), today announced the … Continue reading New research to strengthen Fiji’s push for inclusive, effective peacekeeping
The Togo National Police has officially launched its Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) barrier assessment report, marking an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s meaningful participation in United Nations peace operations. The assessment was conducted with the support of the Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) and provides an evidence-based analysis of the opportunities and barriers affecting … Continue reading Togo National Police launches MOWIP report to advance women’s participation in peace operations
Lilongwe/New York, 27 April 2026 — The Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) today announced that the Malawi Police Service (MPS) has been selected as the newest recipient of funding to conduct a Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) barrier assessment. It will be Malawi’s first application of the MOWIP methodology and represents a major step in strengthening the country’s meaningful participation of uniformed women in United Nations (UN) peace operations. Implemented in … Continue reading Malawi Police Service to conduct first-ever barrier assessment with support from the Elsie Initiative Fund
Monrovia, 10 February 2026 — The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and UN Women Liberia have officially launched a new Elsie Initiative Fund (EIF) project aimed at strengthening the institution’s gender‑responsive peacekeeping capabilities. This two‑year project will deliver targeted interventions to remove barriers faced by women in the AFL and expand the pool of Liberian … Continue reading Liberia launches Elsie Initiative Fund project to advance gender‑responsive peacekeeping
Inside Sénégal’s National Gendarmerie, attitudes towards gender are beginning to shift. With support from the Elsie Initiative Fund, gender-focused training is encouraging young student gendarmes such as Awa Padane and Babou Mansaly to rethink long-held beliefs about equality and leadership in the security sector. “I used to think that leadership in the gendarmerie was reserved … Continue reading Discussing gender norms with Sénégal’s next generation of peacekeepers
Captain Ndeye Yacine Faye was one of the first women to join the Sénégal National Gendarmerie and is the first to command its Air Transport Company. In 2025 she passed the Assessment for Mission Service (AMS), a standardised test that determines suitability for deployment to United Nations peacekeeping operations. She shares her journey, challenges, and … Continue reading When women lead: Captain Ndeye Yacine Faye, trailblazer in the Sénégal Gendarmerie
Officer Toffe Mendy is Sénégal’s only female special weapons and tactics (SWAT) officer, with a passion for global peacekeeping. She recently participated in the EIF-supported training, which prepares women for future deployment within a formed police unit (FPU). She shares with the EIF insights into her role, journey, and her aspirations for the future. “I … Continue reading Toffe Mendy: “Being the only woman in the unit has its challenges, but I don’t think gender determines a person’s worth or skills.”
Security sector reform demands determination and sustained commitment from those in leadership. Police Commissioner Binetou Guisse—the Sénégal National Police’s first official gender focal point—is at the forefront of this reform. With support from the Elsie Initiative Fund, the Sénégal National Police is taking concrete steps to expand the meaningful deployment of uniformed women to United … Continue reading When Women Lead: Commissioner Guisse on reforming security institutions in Sénégal
Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce is the highest-ranking uniformed woman in the United Nations (UN). As Acting UN Military Advisor, she oversees the delivery of military capabilities to UN peace operations. In her previous role, Lieutenant General Pearce was appointed as Force Commander of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) between 2019 – 2021. With … Continue reading When Women Lead: Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce on navigating command and culture in peacekeeping
