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.
The Elsie Initiative for Field Missions is part of the wider Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, started by Global Affairs Canada. We are proud to contribute to this wider initiative, alongside our sister project, The Elsie Initiative Fund, administered by UN Women.
Latest News
Advancing Inclusion Through Infrastructure
In today’s complex and evolving peacekeeping environments, the inclusion of women is not just a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative. Recognizing this, the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, was launched…
Gender-Responsiveness in Peace Operations
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.
Projects
The Elsie Initiative for Field Missions has completed six pilot projects across UN peace operations. Additional projects are currently underway. Click on each of the tabs below to view the fact sheets from each of the completed projects.
MINUSCA implemented a Pilot Project for the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (FPU), within the existing regional office compound in Bangassou. Improvement of recreation areas within the women’s living accommodation cluster was designed for 25 women uniformed personnel of the Rwanda FPU, and could accommodate up to 30. The pilot project consisted of constructing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities including a gazebo, a shared ablution unit, a badminton court, a laundry and a multifunctional building providing gym, lounge, library, and saloon facilities in line with the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations.
MINUSCA implemented a pilot project in the Senegalese Quick Reaction Force camp, within the existing Setor Headquarters in Bouar. Improvement of recreation areas within the women’s living accommodation cluster was designed for 25 women military personnel of the Senegalese Quick Reaction Force. The area can accommodate up to 30 personnel. The pilot project consisted of constructing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities including a gazebo, a shared ablution unit, a badminton court, a laundry facility and a multifunctional building providing gym, lounge, library, and saloon facilities in line with the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations.
MONUSCO implemented a pilot project in an existing camp in Beni. The living accommodation cluster was designed for 66 Malawian Battalion women, with 10 per cent more space available than its current strength. The pilot project consisted of constructing new facilities and refurbishment of some already existing facilities as per the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations.
UNISFA implemented a pilot project in the existing Indian Battalion headquarter camp, in Doukra. The living accommodation cluster was designed for 50 Indian Battalion women. The pilot project consisted of constructing new facilities as per the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations: double occupancy living accommodations, concealed access for ablutions, green space, outdoor lighting and a quiet outdoor space for recreation.
MINUSMA implemented a pilot project in the Kidal camp. The living accommodation cluster was designed for 56 Guinea Battalion women. The pilot project consisted of constructing new facilities as per the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations. The major components of the implemented cluster are living accommodations, bathroom capsules attached to shared ablutions a masonry kitchen, a gazebo, a laundry and a bunker.
MONUSCO implemented a pilot project in the INCAL compound in Kinshasa. The living accommodation cluster was designed for 90 Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit women, with 10 per cent more space available than its current capacity (82). The pilot project consisted of constructing new facilities and refurbishing some of the existing facilities as per the Elsie Initiative for Field Missions design-related recommendations.