Abu Dhabi military training course highlights growing role of women in peacekeeping

A nine-week training course aimed at increasing women’s participation in military and peacekeeping operations will be held this week in Abu Dhabi with 140 cadets from Arab, Asian and African countries.

The Fatima bint Mubarak Women, Peace and Security Initiative launched its third Women, Peace and Security training programme on Wednesday, which will be held at the Khawla bint Al Azwar Military School in Abu Dhabi.

The program includes seven weeks of intensive military training and two weeks of peacebuilding and peacekeeping training.

It is organized by the General Union of Women in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and coordinated with UN Women.

This year’s participants are from Yemen Socotra, Jordan, Bahrain, Liberia, Gambia, Senegal, Niger, Pakistan, Chad, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania and Mauritania.

Captain Rachel Riak Kon from South Sudan told National The course demonstrates the increasing importance of women in the military.

“I’m here to demonstrate that women can make a difference,” Captain Kang said.

“I’m determined to go home and show that women are always important in the military.

“Not only can we defend our country, but we can also help bring about peace and stability.”

Cadet Naeema Al Balooshi, a police officer from Bahrain, said the role of women in the military has increased significantly.

“We are in an era where women are not only equals, but supporters of men,” said Cadet Al Balooshi.

“I’m here to represent every woman and my country. I’m here to make myself and my country proud.”

Chad Lieutenant Remadji Stephanie added: “I am determined to return home and help end the terrorism and violence we face at the hands of Boko Haram, not through violence, but through peace.”

Abu Dhabi Conference

The program is designed to achieve the strategic goal of Security Council Resolution 1325, which is to increase the number of eligible women in military, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding jobs.

A total of 497 women have been trained under the Sheikha Fatima Women, Peace and Security Initiative, launched in 2019.

The launch of the programme coincides with Abu Dhabi hosting the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security, where UN Women Executive Director Dr Seema Bahaus will deliver a keynote speech.

Dr. Bahous met with participants in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. She praised the UAE’s efforts to empower women in the military sector.

“The UAE has been a strong advocate and important partner on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, gender equality,” said Dr. Bahaus.

“In this regard, I commend His Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak for providing women from the Middle East, Africa and Asia with training and capacity-building opportunities in military and peacekeeping for women in peace and security Empowerment efforts.

“UN Women is proud to be these partners in advancing the women, peace and security agenda.”

Also speaking on the first day of the meeting were Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of Defence; Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Lana NusaybeAssistant Minister for Political Affairs and UAE Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Updated: September 7, 2022 at 4:54 pm