Background

In the majority of Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs), the appointment responsible for gender-related matters is the Military Gender Advisor (MGA). Force Commanders see merit in having someone in the planning cell who can integrate UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, and Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in the work of operational staff. All United Nations peacekeeping missions with a Protection of Civilian’s mandate have established Military Gender Advisers positions. The rationale for this course is mentioned in the UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (UNSCR 1325 and UNSCR 2242), which call on the Member States to better apply gender perspective into military peacekeeping activities. The UN MGA-reinforcement training packages (RTP)  was developed by the Office of Military Affairs (OMA), the Integrated Training Service (ITS) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) . The MGA-RTP is supplemental to the Specialized Training Materials (STM) for Military Staff Officers.

Aim

The aim of these training materials is to provide troop-contributing countries with a comprehensive UN MGA-RTP that addresses the technical requirements needed for MGAs and MGFPs to engage with population and civil sector stakeholders in peace operations. The course will provide MGAs and MGFPs with the skills and mindset necessary to apply themselves as agents for change within the mission. Thus, to be able to put into practice, taking into account the socio-cultural context of the theatres of operations, the UN Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace and Security, the protection of civilians, child protection and conflict-related sexual violence.

Structure of the Reinforcement Training Package for UN Military Gender Advisors

The UN Military Gender Advisor Training Programme consists of 3 modules divided into two components. The first component is a five-chapter online course that includes the conceptual and legal framework. The second component is face-to-face training that can be delivered over ten days. 

• Course Description
• Trainer's Guide
• Participant's Manual
• Online course for Military Gender Advisors - Registration Guideline

Module 1: Conceptual Framework: Cadre 

🔗 Online course for Military Gender Advisors chapters 1, 2, 4 and 5.

• Chapter 1: Introduction to key concepts
• Chapter 2: Military Network and the Tasks of MGA and MGFP
• Chapter 4: Key Stakeholders and Coordination Mechanisms
• Chapter 5: Gender Analysis and Gender Impact Assessment in Support of Operations

Module 2: Legal Framework

🔗 Online course for Military Gender Advisors chapter 3.

• Chapter 3: The UN Mandate and the Women, Peace and Security Resolutions

Module 3: Operational Framework

• Lesson 3.1: Introduction to MGA Terms of Reference (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.2: Gender-Sensitive Conflict Analysis (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.3: Prevention of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.4: Engagement with UN Partners (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.5: MGA Gender Estimate and Input during the Operational Planning Process (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.6: Engagement with civil societies and local NGOs (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.7: Military Gender Strategy - Meaningful Participation and an Enabling Environment (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.8: Military Gender Strategy - Preparation (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.9: Military Gender Strategy - Presentation (Presentation)
• Lesson 3.10: Becoming a MGA (Presentation)

• Additional Documents 
  • Evaluations and personal journal
  • Lesson 3.1 - Irrational Behaviours Card Game 
  • Complementary tools and documents (to be shared with participants) 

Pre-required training

Participants must complete specific UN training courses to be fully prepared and equipped for the Military Gender Advisors course. Before the first training day, learners must have completed the UN online training for Military Gender Advisors (MGAs). If not, participants must complete all required training during the first week, outside class time. To be effective, the MGA must have basic knowledge regarding the protection of civilians (PoC), child protection, conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). The list of prerequisite courses is as follows:

• Online course for Military Gender Advisors 
• UN Protection of Civilians Course (EN) (FR) (ES) 
• UN Child Protection Course 
• UN Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) training, including the MONUSCO scenario 
• Training on UN SEA (EN) (FR)

(French Version)