In Almaty, within the framework of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan's Center for Peacekeeping Operations, a pilot course titled "Gender Aspects in UN Peacekeeping Operations" has been organised. This initiative has been reported by Sarbaz.kz with reference to the press office of the defense ministry.
The course program has been developed by instructors from the Ministry of Defense's Center for Peacekeeping Operations. The course is primarily attended by women representing the Armed Forces, the Border Service of the National Security Committee, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, and the General Prosecutor's Office.
The pilot course curriculum encompasses the fundamentals of international law applicable to peacekeeping operations, the concept of civilian protection, as well as topics related to sexual exploitation and violence in armed conflict.
"In unstable regions where armed conflicts occur, the most vulnerable groups are women and children. Hence, the participation of women in UN peacekeeping missions is of utmost importance. They contribute to the peaceful resolution of issues and the protection of the rights of these citizens. In this context, the preparation of the national contingent, considering the gender aspect, holds special significance," stated Colonel Ruslan Maermanov, Deputy Head of the Center for Peacekeeping Operations, in charge of educational activities.
Lectures will be delivered by Madina Jarbusynova, Chief Adviser of the "UN Women" entity in Kazakhstan, as well as by legal sociologist Khalida Azhigulova and Margarita Uskembaeva, President of the Public Foundation "Institute of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunities of Kazakhstan," and Director of the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence "ARASHA."
The ministry underscores that these sessions will enhance the awareness of participants regarding the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on "Women, Peace, and Security." This pilot project aims to achieve the goals of the National Action Plan for the Improvement of the Status of Women in Kazakhstan and to expand the participation of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan in UN peacekeeping missions.
