UNITED NATIONS
The United States representative to the United Nations has announced a pledge of $3 million to support a body armor pilot program for women.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield joined partners from Ghana, the Netherlands and Zambia to support this first-of-its-kind project intended to address inadequate personal protective equipment provided for female peacekeepers and increase their ability to meaningfully participate in peacekeeping missions.
“One major barrier for entry? The ‘unisex’ personal protective equipment that simply doesn’t fit women peacekeepers,” she said.
Women-specific body armor features a tailored cut, rounded chest, shortened torso and adjustable back that provides better coverage of vital organs. The purpose of this pilot project is to evaluate the degree to which the equipment enhances operations and safety during training and deployment. This project aims to reduce barriers to women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in peace operations.
Thomas-Greenfield said an investment in this armor is an investment in women and the communities they serve. She emphasized that “it’s long past time that we empower and protect these peacekeepers as they dedicate their lives to empowering and protecting civilians in conflict.”
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