International Peacekeeping · 2013 · 28 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesGender StudiesInternational RelationsFeminist TheorySecurity StudiesWomen's StudiesFeminist MovementsFeminist Political TheoryPeacekeeping OperationsViolence Against WomenWomen's ActivismWomen's MovementsAnti-violence AdvocacyFeminist PeacebuildingGender SecurityInternational Relations TheoryPeace Support OperationsPolice FemininityWomen's Participation In WarWomen, Peace, And Security
This article focuses on women's involvement in peacekeeping operations and the introduction in 2007 of an all-female formed police unit (FFPU). Possible benefits and challenges of deploying all-female contingents in peace operations are considered and feminist theories of international relations are drawn upon to evaluate arguments for including women in peace and security missions. Media discourses on the Indian FFPU deployed to Liberia in 2007 are analysed, revealing a potential to reshape attitudes about the role of women in peace and security, and emphasizing that femininity need not be incompatible with strength and capacity for protection.