Female Commanders in UN Peacekeeping: Leadership Lessons from the Ground

In the decades since the United Nations first deployed peacekeepers to conflict zones, African militaries have played an increasingly prominent role in stabilisation missions. Yet, one of the most transformative developments in recent years has been the emergence of female commanders leading multinational contingents in volatile environments. These leaders are not only challenging entrenched gender norms in defence institutions but are also redefining operational effectiveness on the ground.

The first African women to serve in UN peacekeeping roles were often medical staff, observers, or administrative officers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa began deploying female officers in significant numbers in the early 2000s, responding to UN calls for gender mainstreaming. The landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (2000) catalysed further inclusion, urging member states to integrate women at all levels of peace operations, including command positions.
Today, African female commanders have served in missions from the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) to South Sudan (UNMISS) and Mali (MINUSMA), commanding troops in some of the world’s most dangerous operational theatres.

Operational Advantages of Female Leadership

Field reports consistently show that female commanders often bring unique strengths to peacekeeping operations:

• Community Engagement: In conflict zones where cultural norms restrict interaction between male soldiers and women, female commanders are able to open channels of communication and gather critical intelligence.
• Conflict De-escalation: Studies indicate that female-led patrols can lower the risk of escalation during civilian interactions.
• Morale and Cohesion: The presence of female leaders often enhances diversity, cohesion, and mutual respect within multinational contingents.

A case in point is Colonel Regina Amedume of Ghana, who commanded a peacekeeping battalion in the Central African Republic in 2021. Her leadership style, blending operational firmness with community liaison work, earned commendations from both the UN mission leadership and local authorities.

Challenges on the Frontlines

Despite these gains, female commanders still face systemic obstacles:

• Institutional Resistance: Many African defence forces still have male-dominated command structures that slow the career progression of women.
• Deployment Barriers: Cultural attitudes in some troop-contributing countries lead to fewer women being nominated for high-command roles in peacekeeping missions.
• Security Risks: Female commanders often operate in environments with high personal security threats, including targeted harassment or violence.

Lessons for African Defence Institutions

The leadership of African women in UN peacekeeping offers valuable takeaways:

1. Mentorship Pipelines: Early identification and mentorship of promising female officers can fast-track readiness for command positions.
2. Gender-sensitive Deployment Policies: Governments can adopt quotas or minimum representation thresholds for women in senior mission roles.
3. Training for Gendered Operational Realities: Pre-deployment training should include modules on cultural sensitivity, civilian protection, and gendered security threats.

A Strategic Imperative

As Africa continues to contribute to peacekeeping missions across the globe, the integration of female commanders is not merely a moral or symbolic act—it is an operational necessity. Their presence strengthens the legitimacy of missions, improves civilian-military relations, and enhances overall mission performance.

The leadership lessons emerging from African women on UN frontlines—discipline under fire, cultural empathy, and inclusive command—are not only reshaping peacekeeping but also redefining military leadership for the 21st century.