A UN programme for training women peacekeepers has been renamed in honour of the UAE’s Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
The UN Women Peace and Security Training Programme that started in 2019 trains women from the Middle East, Asia and Africa in military and peacekeeping forces.
It also sets up support networks for them in the military.
The programme is sponsored by the UAE government and hosted by the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School for Women in Abu Dhabi.
More than 350 women graduated from the programme in 2019 and 2020.
It was renamed the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women Peace and Security Initiative, in honour of its patron Sheikha Fatima, the president of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
The programme was created following a Security Council Resolution to double the number of women as uniformed personnel in UN Peacekeeping Operations.
“It is an immense honour for this pioneering training programme to carry Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s name,” said Noura Al Suwaidi, the director general of the General Women’s Union.
“It is unique in the sense that we have the UAE Armed Forces manage and deliver the training of women from several countries in the region and beyond.
“This is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to women’s empowerment across all sectors and our committed contribution to advancing the agenda of women, peace and security.”
Globally, just four per cent of deployed military peacekeepers are women as recruitment numbers remain low.
But they have an important role. Female peacekeepers can help prevent sexual violence during and after conflict, promote women’s participation in political processes and can interact more easily with women in gender-segregated societies.
“UN Women is proud to support this unique effort as a key partner by bringing its expertise on women, peace and security to this programme,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the executive director of UN Women.
“Evidence shows that women’s engagement in conflict resolution and peace building results in longer lasting peace. It is essential for the effectiveness of security forces that they build their knowledge and understanding of gender equality and women’s rights.”