ππππππ πππππππ ππππππππ ππππππ ππππππππ ππππππ
IPSTC is honored to host the UN Military Gender Advisors Training, a two-week course running from 6β17 July 2026, sponsored by Canada through United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The course brings together participants from Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The training equips participants with the knowledge, skills, motivation, and attitude required to effectively serve as Military Gender Advisors (MGAs) and Military Gender Focal Points (MGFPs). It also prepares them to become agents of change, advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda while promoting the protection and inclusion of women and other vulnerable groups in peace operations.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Commandant Peace and Conflict Studies School (PCSS), Colonel Emma Ngigi encouraged participants to take full advantage of the course by learning from one another's diverse operational experiences. She noted that over the two weeks, participants would strengthen their understanding of gender mainstreaming, enhance their practical skills, and exchange lessons learned from peace support missions.The Chief Guest, UNITAR Senior Trainer Colonel William Nortey, underscored the importance of the course in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda. He highlighted the wealth of experience brought by the facilitators, noting that their expertise would be instrumental in equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve the course objectives.
Through the delivery of specialized courses on, Women Leadership Development, Female Soldiers, Gender Focal Points, and Women Military Officersβ IPSTC continues to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Together with its partners, the Centre continues to invest in building the capacity of military personnel, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and promoting more inclusive, effective, and gender-responsive peace operations across Africa and beyond.
The course was sponsored by the government of Denmark through its continued support for initiatives that promote gender equality. The programme brought together women officers who took part in a series of learning activities aimed to strengthen their leadership skills, decision making abilities, communication techniques and understanding of security challenges.
Throughout the programme, participants engaged in discussions, practical exercises and knowledge sharing sessions focused on effective leadership in military environments. As part of the Course, participants engaged in an insightful panel discussion with distinguished women leaders from the military, public, and private sectors.
The lead facilitator, Professor Catherine Ndungo highlighted that the training provided participants with opportunities to exchange experiences, build professional networks and develop skills that will enable them to take on leadership responsibilities. She encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the course to create positive change.
In her closing remarks, the Commandant Peace and Conflict Studies School (PCSS), Colonel Emma Ngigi encouraged the participants to utilize the knowledge acquired during the course in their various fields of work. She urged them to demonstrate exemplary leadership, mentor others and contribute positively to their places of work.
Around the world, organizations are recognizing that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but it is a driver of performance, inclusion and sustainable results. Introduction of Gender Focal Points within the Military are at the heart of making that change happen. Gender equality within the Military setup can only happen when military personnel understand the issues, know the tools and are empowered to act.
The main aim of this course is to prepare participants to perform the duties of a Gender Focal Point (GFP) within their respective organizations. The course provides a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and mandate of a GFP, and equips participants to effectively contribute to the integration of gender perspectives within their functional areas.
By strengthening the capacity of Gender Focal Points across the region, the course contributes to the development of more inclusive, responsive, and effective security institutions. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their roles as agents of change and are better positioned to support the integration of gender perspectives in policy, planning, operations, and institutional processes.
The pilot course marks an important milestone in advancing gender equality within the peace and security sector and reflects IPSTC's continued commitment to promoting inclusive approaches to peace support operations. Through partnerships such as that with the Kingdom of Denmark, the Centre continues to empower military personnel with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster positive organizational change and enhance operational effectiveness across the region.
