Assessing The Inclusion Of Tanzanian Uniformed Women in Peacekeeping Operations:

Abstract

Uniformed women have been playing a major role in peacekeeping operations; however, their inclusion in peacekeeping operations is unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the inclusion of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations with the case study of the Immigration Department in Dodoma. It had three objectives, which are: to explore the selection criteria that are used by the Immigration Department for uniformed women involvement in peacekeeping operations; to examine the efficacy of the selection criteria used by the Immigration Department for uniformed women involvement in peacekeeping operations and to examine the obstacles hindering the involvement of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations at the Immigration Department. It was underpinned by the Feminist theory and conflict theory. It embraced the constructivist research philosophy in which the qualitative research approach and case study research design were adhered. A total of 16 key informants were purposely sampled comprising; heads of units, human resource officers, heads of sections, legal service officers, training officers, and uniformed women from the Department. The methods that were used to collect data were document review and in-depth interviews. The collected qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and presented in texts and supported by statements in quotations. From the study results, it was revealed that the selection criteria that are used by the Immigration Department in Dodoma for uniformed women involvement in peacekeeping operations involved the utilization of experience level, physical fitness tests, psychological resilience tests and adequate operational certainty. The efficacy of the selection criteria used by the Immigration Department in Dodoma for uniformed women involvement in peacekeeping operations was indicated by positive feedback from stakeholders, the success rate of the selected candidates in mission, and operational effectiveness of missions requiring engagement with local populations. The obstacles hindering the involvement of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations at the Immigration Department in Dodoma comprised; inadequate support systems, cultural norms and societal attitudes, limited access to opportunities and hostile work environment. It is concluded that, the inclusion of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations at the Immigration Department in Dodoma was still low, following the disbelief of uniformed women in the selection criteria as the process itself was not transparent with staff in top management unit, picking candidates basing on close relationships and family ties over professional qualifications, and persistence of barriers hindering the involvement of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations. The study recommends that the Immigration Department in Dodoma should ensure transparency and objectivity in the selection criteria and the whole selection process by defining, documenting, and publishing the selection criteria, as well as using an independent selection committee. The findings of this study contribute to the body of knowledge on the inclusion of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations. Moreover, it provides useful information that may help policymakers in peace and security sector to create work policies that promote the involvement of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations.