Formation of a peaceful order in a post-conflict environment requires not only an end to conflict and violence, but also the provision of equality within society. Hence, integration of human society considers gender equality to be a crucial dimension of and its lack as a major obstacle against human development. The enlarged role of peacekeeping has given rise to the expanded role of women in these operations, which can also become a facilitator of the women’s inclusion in the reconstruction process in a post-conflict country. In fact, many scholars posit numerous benefits of women’s presence in peacekeeping operations such as improving the reputation of peacekeepers among local populations, establishing better relationships with locals, and providing role models in the local community. But, the literature so far does not cover empirical studies that will test these arguments. This paper aims to contribute to this discussion by focusing on the possible role that the presence of women in UN peacekeeping operations (gender advisors, female leadership, gender training, female soldiers etc.) can play in the living conditions (economic, social and political) of women in post-conflict orders. In this study, Mozambique (ONUMOZ) as a case from the period before the resolution 1325, when much less attention was given to gender sensitivity within peacekeeping operations; and Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) as a case from the period after the resolution 1325 are selected to compare and contrast the impact of gender focused approach on the peace process. This study relies on the examination of documents from relevant agencies and existing data. Hence, I argue that the role of women in the selected missions do not have a solid effect on the political and economic participation of women, however it can have a significant influence on the gender mainstreamed security sector reforms. With a clear focus on gender mainstreaming, this study can be able to improve the understandings of gender equality as a key component for a successful peacebuilding and as a crucial factor in sustainable positive peace.
