Gender mainstreaming must be central to peace and security operations — KAIPTC Deputy Commandant

The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, has called for the effective integration of gender considerations into peacekeeping and security operations, stressing that gender equality is essential to achieving sustainable peace.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Gender Advisers' Course in Accra, Brig. Gen. Deku said gender mainstreaming must not be treated as an afterthought but as a fundamental component of institutional policies, planning and decision-making.

“Gender mainstreaming, therefore, should not be treated as an additional responsibility to be considered only after key operational decisions have been made. Rather, it must be understood as an integral part of effective, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to peace and security,” he stated.

He acknowledged progress in advancing gender equality through international, continental and regional frameworks, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

However, he expressed concern that women and girls continue to face significant barriers to participation and protection, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

According to him, the major challenge remains translating existing gender policies and commitments into practical institutional reforms.

“The challenge before us is to bridge the gap between commitment and practice,” he emphasised.

Brig. Gen. Deku highlighted the critical role of Gender Advisers, Gender Experts and Gender Focal Points in identifying institutional gaps, influencing leadership decisions and promoting accountability in implementing gender-related commitments.

He disclosed that the Gender Advisers' Course, originally delivered in Sandö, Sweden, has been adapted for Ghana since 2022, with more than 80 participants benefiting from the programme.

The 2026 edition marks the fifth cohort to undergo the training in Ghana.

He further revealed that an evaluation of previous editions, conducted in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), had demonstrated significant achievements at regional, national and institutional levels.

These include stronger networks of gender experts across Africa, increased representation of women on peace councils, the establishment of institutional gender structures and the deployment of gender officers to peacekeeping missions.

Despite these gains, the evaluation identified institutional resistance, cultural norms and the need for stronger strategic advisory skills as continuing challenges.

Brig. Gen. Deku urged participants to actively engage in the training, develop practical gender-analysis skills and build professional networks to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

“The true value of this training, however, will not be measured solely by what you learn while you are at KAIPTC. It will ultimately be measured by what you do with that knowledge when you return to your institutions,” he said.

He expressed optimism that participants would return to their respective institutions better equipped to influence policies, challenge discriminatory practices and promote inclusive approaches to peacebuilding and security operations.