Mainstreaming A Gender Perspective in Multidimensional Peace Operations: A Study of the Ghana Armed Forces Deployments

Abstract

Gender mainstreaming in the armed forces globally remains limited, although the United Nations encourages women’s engagement in all aspects of peacekeeping. Most studies on peacekeeping continue to overlook the central role women play in peacekeeping. Relying on feminist institutionalism and sociological institutionalism, this study examined the gender mainstreaming measures employed by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to improve women’s participation and the underlying factors that restrict the participation of women in peacekeeping operations. The study employed a mixed method approach. Using a qualitative research methodology, the researcher investigated the opinions of Ghanaian Armed Forces soldiers regarding the degree to which GAF deployment to UN peacekeeping operations complies with mainstreaming a gender perspective in multidimensional peace operations. With a study population of 2,321, the researcher used sample size of 100 which was estimated as, 𝑛=𝑧2×𝑝(1−𝑝)𝑒21+(𝑧2×𝑝(1−𝑝)𝑒2𝑁) (1) n= [(1.962) * 0.5(1-0.5)/0.052]/ 1 + [(1.962) * 0.5(1-0.5)/0.052*2321] n= 100. The study design that was adopted is a descriptive case study design and the data for this study were compiled using both secondary and primary sources of data. The study found gender integration within the recruitment process and pre-deployment training programs as the gender mainstreaming measures of GAF. The findings revealed that GAF had committed to international and national guidelines of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda by informally reserving 15% of the various positions for women deployment on peacekeeping missions. Also, the study found GAF’s hierarchy and structures as those formal institutions that constrain women's participation. The results showed gender that roles relating to the stereotype of women constrain women's participation in peacekeeping operations. Relating to the gender roles, the study showed that the personnel within the GAF view masculine trades as engineering, critical military functions and combat units whilst feminist trades were related to administration, cooking, nursing and clergy. The study recommended that GAF focuses on revising its recruitment and deployment strategies by giving importance to women and their roles. Also, women are encouraged to take leadership positions at GAF, especially in combat units, as it influences the number of women deployed to peacekeeping operations.