Gender Analysis of Sexual Misconduct in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract

This study aims to explore the factors that lead to the persistence of sexual exploitation and abuse against local women by UN peacekeeping personnel. The study applies gender analysis and employs a qualitative approach and literature review. This study contrasts the United Nations (UN) policies to prohibit sexual relations in peacekeeping missions and the statistics of sexual misconduct allegations, then examines the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index of both contributing and host countries. The paper argues that in deploying the missions the UN overlooks the gender aspects, such as the patriarchal cultures in the host and contributing countries, the hyper-masculine ideas of the military troops, and the gendered intention of the contributing countries to form and perform their identity as the protector. This study suggests the UN assessing the WPS Index of the Member States before welcoming their peace forces.