Since its launch in 2019, the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions has been a catalyst for change in peace operation environments, pioneering gender-responsive infrastructure/facilities, equipment – like female body armour - and logistics, including vehicles. With 95 human-centered engineering design recommendations, the Initiative has redefined standards for privacy, wellbeing, social interactions and inclusivity in field accommodations.
Some of these recommendations have been embedded into global contracts and engineering manuals, influencing procurement practices and removing barriers to women’s participation in peace operations. Other recommendations are in the process of being integrated.
Historically, peacekeeping camps were designed without consideration for gender-specific needs—ablution blocks for both men and women featured urinals, and long, unlit walkways posed safety risks. Through extensive field visits, interviews, and document reviews, the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions identified key areas for improvement across four dimensions: mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, privacy, and social interaction. These insights informed essential design specifications now implemented in six pilot projects across missions.
In the Kinshasa camp at the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), accommodations for 90 Bangladeshi policewomen were upgraded with refurbished living spaces, improved ablutions, shared kitchens, and shaded pathways. Similarly, MONUSCO’s Beni camp for 66 Malawian women saw refurbished structures, green recreational areas, and improved laundry facilities.
At the Kidal camp at the former United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) new prefabricated housing, attached ablution capsules, and multifunctional recreational spaces were introduced for 56 Guinean battalion women.
The Dukra Smart Camp at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) featured double-occupancy housing, concealed ablution access, and quiet outdoor spaces for 50 Indian battalion women.
At the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the Bangassou compound and the Bouar camp, for 40 women of Rwandan formed police unit and 30 female members of Senegalese quick reaction force respectively, each integrated multifunctional buildings with gyms, lounges, libraries, and saloons, alongside badminton courts and gazebos – all designed to foster community and wellbeing.
The cluster layout approach adopted across all pilot projects promotes outdoor common spaces, enhancing social interaction and safety. These transformative projects not only elevate the living standards of uniformed women but also set a new benchmark for inclusive design in global peace operations.
The Elsie Initiative for Field Missions continues to lead the way in creating equitable, safe, and empowering environments for all personnel in field operations.
