Where are the Women? The Missing Question in the UN'S Response to Sexual Abuse in Peacekeeping Operations

The role of gender equality considerations, including the gender balance of peacekeeping operations, has been underplayed as a potential solution to the UN'S recurrent problems with sexual exploitation and abuse by blue helmets. This article explores 3 elements related to gender equality that have been neglected in responding to this issue: the presence of women in peacekeeping operations, the voice and opinion of women's organizations, and the assistance to victims of such violations. The connection between women's leadership and participation, on the one hand, and better outcomes for women and girls on the other, has been evident in many related policy areas, and should be applied more forcefully in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse by UN peacekeepers.