On 2 October, the Pilot Network for Uniformed Women Peacekeepers hosted an online event to celebrate the contributions of uniformed women in peacekeeping and discuss how to take care of one's mental health and well-being on deployment.
Over 140 participants from the UN missions in Abyei (), South Sudan (), and Western Sahara? () joined the session.
Speakers shared their deployment experiences and emphasized that inclusive teamwork, with male and female peacekeepers working together, can drive meaningful change.
In Malakal, South Sudan, joint patrols to counter conflict related sexual violence and events such as the International Day Against Sexual Violence have helped build credibility and deepen engagement with community leaders, reframing sexual and gender-based violence as a shared community responsibility.?
In Abyei, UNISFA’s efforts to train and include more women in the Community Protection Committee— a community-led policing structure — led to increased female representation and improved the committee’s ability to address protection needs.??
To mark World Mental Health Day, speakers and participants also shared practical tips to maintain mental health and well-being while deployed in high-risk and sometimes remote environments: healthy daily routines, mission friendships, staying in touch with loved ones, etc.
“Prioritizing mental health is part of professional duty, not a weakness,” ASP Mariama Jallow Kassama, Gender Officer (UNISFA), reminded participants.
The network itself is becoming a great support system. Major Mouiz Yaseen (UNMISS) shared, “We have a platform, a kind of safe space, where we can speak and hear each other out.”??
Some mentioned the continued stigma around seeking help that may prevent some from accessing support. Participants emphasized normalizing conversations around mental health and leading by example.
“We are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and sometimes it is OK not to be OK,” said Captain Valarie Kosgei, Civil-Military Cooperation and Gender Focal Point (UNMISS).
“Women peacekeepers are strong ... but when it feels too much, don’t hesitate to ask for help,” said Captain Tanja Pfeifer, Military Observer (MINURSO).
An upcoming informational session will explore online and in-mission mental health resources.??
The is coordinated by the DPPA-DPO Office for Coordination and Shared Services, in partnership with the Office of Military Affairs, the Police Division, and the Justice and Corrections Service, with support from Germany.???
Questions? Contact dpo-womenpknetwork@un.org.?
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