Locations
Ms. Deborah Warren-Smith, Manager - Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations, with Zambia Police women during her site visit at Geoffrey Mukuma Paramilitary Training School.
In the heart of conflict zones, where the echoes of war often drown out hope, Zambian women police officers are rewriting the narrative. Through the Women in Peacekeeping Operations Project, funded under the Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace Operations and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Zambia Police Service (ZPS), the project focuses on re-imagining uniformed women and their role in peacekeeping operations. The Elsie Initiative Fund provided USD 932,072 to Zambia to address key barriers that prevent women from fully participating in UN peace operations. This initiative contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by ensuring women have equal opportunities in peacekeeping, a field long dominated by men.
Despite Zambia’s strides in promoting gender equality, women in the police service continue to face challenges that hinder their full participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Many female officers, especially in rural and remote areas, struggle to access deployment-related information, limiting their chances of applying. Additionally, household responsibilities and socio-cultural perceptions often discourage women from pursuing peacekeeping roles. Institutional challenges, such as the absence of a clear Anti-Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) policy, have also contributed to the slow progress in gender parity.
For decades, peacekeeping has been a male-dominated field, but Zambian women police officers are proving that gender is no barrier to making a difference. Memory Neba, an Assistant Superintendent with 28 years of service in the ZPS, recalls her mission in Liberia, where she worked closely with women and children in the community, “We sensitized them on the importance of education and security,” she says. “We also distributed seed from the Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) so they could grow vegetables, sustain their families and send their children to school.”
Memory’s story is just one of many. Lilian Lishomwa, a seasoned inspector with 22 years of service, served in South Sudan under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). There, she led an innovative initiative called My Police My Teacher, which empowered South Sudanese women police officers to learn basic English and writing skills. “By the time I left, 35 women could speak and write in English,” Lilian proudly shares. “It was a small step, but it made a huge difference in their confidence and ability to serve.”
The Elsie Initiative Fund has been instrumental in preparing Zambian women for peacekeeping missions. The program has trained and deployed 29 women so far, equipping them with report writing, computer skills, video shooting, interview techniques and firearm handling—essential tools to excel in their missions.
Ruth Nawila, an Assistant Superintendent, credits the program for her seamless transition into her mission in South Sudan. “The preparation gave me a clear picture of what to expect,” she says. “It was exciting to meet people from different countries and learn from their experiences.”
The initiative has also narrowed the gender gap in peacekeeping. Previously, women were often discouraged from applying due to the perception that they couldn’t compete with men. But today, thanks to the Women in Peacekeeping Operations Project, more women are stepping forward. “I used to be scared to participate in such missions,” Lilian admits. “But now, together with other women, we are willingly coming forward, motivated by the support and opportunities provided by the program.”
The impact of the training extends far beyond their official duties. In South Sudan, Ruth and her team organized workshops to empower local women, teaching them skills to start businesses and become self-reliant. “We gave them ideas on how to develop themselves,” Ruth explains. “Many of them were dependent without their own income sources, but through our programs, they gained confidence and independence.”
Zambian Women Police officers at the pre-SAAT (Selection Assistance and Assessment Team) training at Lilayi Police training school in Lusaka.
Vincent Riggy Chibesa, an Assistant Superintendent, highlights the unique role women play in addressing gender-based violence (GBV). “In South Sudan, sexual crimes are prevalent, and women are often looked down upon,” he says. “But having women on our team made it easier to gather information and conduct sensitive operations. Pairing women and male officers ensured that we could address these issues effectively.”
For these women, peacekeeping is more than a duty—it’s a life-changing experience. Lilian reflects on how her mission transformed her personally and professionally. “I was shy and hesitant before, but peacekeeping gave me the courage to fight for my goals,” she says. “It was more than serving others; it’s about growing as a person.”
Ruth echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how the mission broadened her perspective. “When you come back, you’re not the same,” she says. “You have a deeper understanding of the world and your role in it.”
As these women look to the future, they have a clear message: more women are needed in peacekeeping. Lilian urges the Zambia Police Service to prioritize the deployment of women in future missions. “We play a vital role,” she says. “Women in conflict zones feel more comfortable approaching us, and our presence motivates them to strive for independence.”
She also encourages women to seize every opportunity. “Don’t sit back and wait for tomorrow,” Lilian advises. “Come forward, participate, and show the world what you’re capable of.”
The stories of Memory, Lilian, Ruth, and countless other Zambian women in peacekeeping are a testament to the power of resilience, empowerment, and community. Through their courage and dedication, they are not only transforming conflict zones but also paving the way for future generations of women to take their place on the frontlines of peace. As Lilian aptly puts it, “We are not just peacekeepers—we are pioneers shaping a more peaceful future for all.”
In a world where peace is often elusive, these women remind us that change begins with courage, compassion, and the belief that a better future is possible. Their journey is a beacon of hope, proving that when women are empowered, they can move mountains—and build bridges to peace.
