An Evaluation of Roles and Integration of Female Soldiers in Peace Building in Central African Republic: A Case of Zambian Regiment Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract

Purpose: The rationale of this study was to evaluate the roles and integration of female soldiers in peace building in the Central African Republic, a case of a Zambian Regiment in Lusaka, Zambia. The motivation to undertake this study was premised on the fact that despite Zambian female soldiers being actively involved in the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, their special roles and responsibilities in the mission are scantly recorded. The study further sought to examine the gender dynamics and challenges encountered by female soldiers in peacekeeping operations. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative approach where ninety (90) research participants were homogeneously selected and data was collected through interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions. The gathered bulk data was then transcribed and coded into categories and was thematically analysed by examining the patterns of meaning within the collected data sets and drawing inferences both explicitly and implicitly. Findings: The major findings revealed that Zambian female soldiers were actively engaged in community activities; force protection; public health and human rights advocacy; the de-escalation of gender associated cases and acting as role models to community members of Birao and Bria. Challenges encountered include male chauvinism; sexual harassment; insufficient numbers of female soldiers and suspicion of infidelity. Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This paper calls on Zambia Army to realign its training curriculum to incorporate gender studies and human rights issues; Acceleration of skills development of female soldiers to build capacity in advocacy on human rights and counselling strategies; Policy on quota system to be adopted to increase the strength of female soldiers during recruitment; Regional bodies under African Union should lobby for resources from the United Nations to have sufficient numbers of female soldiers on the continent to contribute in the de-escalation of conflicts on the continent.