Twenty-four officers from the Zambia Defence Force have commenced a two-week specialised training programme aimed at strengthening their capacity to protect vulnerable groups during peacekeeping missions.
The Military Gender Advisors training is being held at the Zambia National Service Banquet Hall and has brought together participants from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force and Zambia National Service.
The programme is being organised by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in partnership with the Canadian Department of National Defence through its Military Training and Cooperation Programme.
Opening the training, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu said the initiative is aimed at equipping officers with specialised gender advisory skills for both local and international operations.
Mr Haamaundu said Zambia seeks to deploy officers who will not only represent the country abroad but also safeguard women, men and children in areas affected by conflict.
“Courses such as these help Zambia maintain its reputation as a leading contributor of professional officers for peacekeeping missions,” he said.
He added that Zambia’s stability places a responsibility on the country to contribute to global peace efforts.
“The Ministry of Defence wants officers who will continue protecting women, men and children on peacekeeping missions abroad,” Mr Haamaundu said.
Meanwhile, Janie Desgardins commended the Zambian government for prioritising gender-sensitive training within the defence forces.
Ms Desgardins said the programme will provide both theoretical and practical training to prepare participants for operational challenges, while also equipping them with leadership skills.
Participants are expected to undergo intensive sessions over the next two weeks to prepare them for roles as gender advisors in complex operational environments.
