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

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has opened its 2026 Gender Advisers’ Course in Accra, aimed at strengthening the capacity of peace and security practitioners to integrate gender perspectives into institutional policies, programmes and operations across Africa. The training, which brings together participants from across the continent, seeks to equip gender advisers and focal points with practical knowledge, analytical tools and strategic advisory skills to advance the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. The 2026 edition marks the fifth cohort of the programme, which has benefited more than 80 participants through previous training sessions held in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.

The course was developed following an extensive needs assessment involving serving and former gender advisers to identify the competencies required to address gender-related challenges within peacekeeping and peacebuilding institutions. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, stressed that gender mainstreaming must be integrated into every stage of peace and security operations rather than treated as an additional responsibility. “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 developing international and regional gender policies, including United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, but expressed concern about the persistent gap between policy commitments and practical implementation. “The challenge before us is to bridge the gap between commitment and practice,” he emphasised.

Deku disclosed that an evaluation of previous editions, conducted in partnership with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), had revealed significant achievements, including stronger networks of gender experts across Africa, increased representation of women on peace councils and the establishment of gender-responsive institutional structures. Other achievements included the development of gender-sensitive policies and the deployment of gender officers to peacekeeping missions. However, the evaluation identified…

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. Deku said gender mainstreaming must not be treated as an afterthought but as a fundamental component of institutional policies, planning and decision-making.

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.