U.S. & Netherlands Contribute $3 Million for Women-Specific Body Armor to Enhance Safety of UN Peacekeepers in Ghana and Zambia

The United States and the Netherlands have pledged $3 million to provide women-specific body armor to UN peacekeeping officers in Ghana and Zambia. The announcement was made at a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre during the UN peacekeeping ministerial meeting.

Ghana and Zambia, leading contributors of women peacekeepers in Africa, will benefit from this collaborative effort aimed at improving the safety and operational effectiveness of female peacekeeping personnel. The new body armor features a tailored design, addressing the limitations of the previous unisex version by offering a rounded chest, shortened torso, and adjustable back for a secure fit.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Permanent Ambassador to the United Nations, highlighted the significance of the initiative in overcoming barriers to women’s participation in peacekeeping. “The joint investment of $3 million is dedicated to empowering and protecting women peacekeepers, ultimately safeguarding entire communities affected by conflict,” she stated during the ceremony.

Ghana’s Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention, emphasizing the importance of keeping women peacekeepers safe. Nitiwul noted the alignment of this initiative with discussions at the UN peacekeeping ministerial meeting, stating, “Keeping every woman alive who is in peace is as important as keeping a nation alive.”

The pilot project aims to assess the impact of the women-specific body armor on operations and safety during training and deployment. Ghana has already exceeded the UN threshold for women’s participation in peacekeeping, currently standing at 18%, while Zambia leads with 27%.

Mr. Norman Chipakupaku, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Zambia, conveyed the country’s gratitude for the support, stating, “On behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian Armed Forces, we say thank you to the U.S. and the Netherlands for supporting our gallant defense forces.”

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the international community to promote gender equality and ensure the safety and effectiveness of women peacekeepers in conflict zones. The investment in women-specific body armor is seen as a critical step towards fostering meaningful and equal participation of women in UN peacekeeping operations.