By: Eleonora Banfi, Al-Nahda Women’s Studies Institute Manager at the Renaissance Strategic Center
In a recent article published on March 6th, 2024 on the Middle East Institute website titled “A report card on women’s integration into Arab militaries”, Dina Arakji sheds light on the dynamics surrounding the integration of women into military and security sectors across the Arab region. While celebrating the advancements in policy and institutional frameworks relating to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, Arakji points out the nuanced challenges and costs associated with such progress. The regional trends show how the inclusion of women in military and security sectors has been mostly as non-combat personnel, such as in Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tunisia made gradual progress in integrating women into the military since 1976, with sporadic debates on compulsory military service for women. Similarly, the UAE has taken strong steps to incorporate women into its armed forces, exemplified by the establishment of the Khawla Bint Al Azwar Military School in 1991 and the groundbreaking achievement of Maj. Mariam al-Mansouri becoming the first Emirati female fighter jet pilot in 2007. However, cultural norms and traditions seems to continue hindering the full realization of women’s potential in these military contexts, as evidenced by restrictions requiring male guardian consent for female military participation in the UAE.
In Jordan, the efforts to increase women’s participation in the military have spanned decades. Jordan first approved the inclusion of women in the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) in 1950, albeit primarily in auxiliary roles such as teaching within military schools. The tragic events of the 2005 Amman bombing prompted an expansion of women’s roles within the JAF, particularly within intelligence and counterterrorism units. Jordan has been steadfast in its commitment to bolstering women’s participation within the JAF. Recognizing the indispensable role women play in safeguarding the nation, JAF stands as one of the pioneering state security institutions to actively recruit and empower women, not only within its ranks but also on the international stage. The integration of women into JAF’s operations, including humanitarian assistance and participation in peacekeeping missions, underscores the nation’s dedication to promoting gender equality and advancing the WPS agenda both regionally and globally. Aligned with Jordan’s progressive stance, the adoption of Gender Mainstreaming Strategy for JAF 2021-2024 (GMS) emerges as a pivotal national policy framework aimed at integrate the principles set forth by the Jordanian National Action Plan for the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 on WPS. The GMS delineates a strategic roadmap, designed to dismantle existing barriers and ensure equitable access for women across all facets of defense and security. Through strategic goals focusing on structural enhancements, gender-responsive policies, and robust oversight mechanisms, the GMS aims to institutionalize gender mainstreaming as a cornerstone of the security sector’s strategies and operations. Delving in the broader implications of these initiatives, it appears how the underlying motivations and external perceptions shaping Arab countries’ decisions to expand women’s roles in defense and security and how such efforts are often perceived as indicators of social liberalization or strategic maneuvers to secure international aid and improve global reputation, particularly in financially strained states like Jordan and Tunisia.
Expanding upon the advancements outlined in the JONAP, recent data reflects significant steps in enhancing women’s representation and participation within the security and military sectors of Jordan. Notably, between 2019 and 2020, women’s representation among security and military personnel more than doubled, with the percentage of women in the JAF rising from 6.8% to 8.83%. Despite these gains, the percentage of women in senior leadership positions within JAF experienced a slight decrease, underlining the ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity at all levels. However, the commitment to bolstering women’s participation is evident in the increased deployment of women to peacekeeping missions, with women constituting 14% of all JAF personnel deployed in such operations in 2020. Moreover, efforts to strengthen institutional gender capacity have been notable, with the establishment of gender offices and the appointment of gender advisors and focal points within both JAF and the Public Security Directorate (PSD).
The increased presence of women in the defense sector holds great value in terms of WPS implementation, but it also underscores the tensions between defense strategies and the foundational principles of WPS rooted in anti-militarist activism. In fact, the original intent of the WPS agenda aimed at ending war altogether, rather than simply making war safer for women, reflecting a broader aspiration for peace. However, as highlighted in this blog, defense institutions can play a crucial role in implementing the WPS agenda across five key areas. Notably, initiatives like NATO’s Civil Society Advisory Panel exemplify best practices in civil-military engagement. Moreover, prioritizing training and education within defense frameworks, ensures operational readiness and fosters a deeper understanding of WPS principles among military personnel. Leadership at all levels must champion WPS, acknowledging its importance beyond a mere “women’s issue” and striving to challenge existing institutional cultures for greater inclusivity. Lastly, the deployment of gender advisors within defense structures provides invaluable expertise in integrating WPS into daily operations, although challenges such as training and resource allocation persist. Critically, the application of a gender perspective in WPS demands more than token representation; it necessitates a holistic approach that addresses structural inequalities and challenges prevailing gender norms within defense institutions. However, it is evident that many states, particularly in the Global North, have approached WPS with a focus on “making war safe for women,” often overlooking the agency of women in conflict-affected regions and reinforcing paternalistic narratives. Anyhow, civil society remains central to the advancement of the WPS agenda, acting as both watchdog and partner in holding governments and defense institutions accountable for their commitments. Therefore, it is imperative for defense entities to actively engage with civil society and prioritize leadership that recognizes WPS as integral to broader efforts towards peace and security.
Finally, looking through a feminist lens on the increased engagement of women in security and military roles allows us to explore how these developments intersect with the pursuit of enduring peace within the WPS agenda, offering insights into evolving approaches to global peace and security. While, as seen above, there have been significant policy and institutional developments, the primary goal of the UNSCR 1325 has incurred costs. There’s been a noticeable shift from the starting UNSCR 1325 principle of advocating for the abolition of war to focusing on making armed conflict safer for women. This shift has largely resulted in “ritualistic” engagements of women, where norms are formally accepted but undermined by inaction. The Security Council’s approach, under the guise of protecting women in war settings and promoting their rights, has tended to reinforce militaristic approaches to peace, perpetuating the international arms market and coercive policing. Global aspirations for substantive change in international peace and security have thus been sidelined, reduced to seeking incremental gains in participation and safety within existing structures of conflict. In conclusion, the journey of women’s inclusion in military and security sectors across the Middle East reveals a complex tapestry of progress and challenges. While there have been commendable strides towards gender inclusivity, underlying cultural norms and political dynamics continue to impede the full realization of WPS aspirations for peace and security. The critique of the Security Council’s approach to Women, Peace, and Security underscores the need for a paradigm shift away from militarized notions of peace towards a more holistic vision that prioritizes disarmament, conflict prevention, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. As we reflect on the experiences of women in the military and security sectors, it becomes increasingly evident that true peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of conflict, and the systemic barriers perpetuating gender inequalities in conflict and post-conflict settings. As we navigate the complexities of gender inclusion in military and security sectors, it is imperative to advocate for substantive changes that prioritize a more holistic vision of peace, encompassing disarmament, conflict prevention, and the empowerment of women as agents of lasting peace.
