UNOPS-backed facility to boost women peacekeeper training
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), in partnership with the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT), has broken ground on a dedicated accommodation facility for female peacekeepers at the BIPSOT campus in Rajendrapur, Gazipur—marking a major step towards gender-inclusive peace operations.
The initiative is supported by the Elsie Initiative Fund, hosted by UN Women—a multi-donor financing mechanism launched by Canada to advance women's participation in peace operations.
Implemented in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, the project strengthens the country's capacity to train and deploy women in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
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Major General Hussain Muhammad Mashihur Rahman, commandant, BIPSOT, attended as chief guest.
Representatives from the Economic Relations Division, Armed Forces Division, UNOPS, UN Women, and the High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh were also present.
The project, titled 'Enhancement of the Capacity of BIPSOT to Train Female Peacekeepers', will establish a dedicated dormitory able to accommodate 60 female peacekeepers at a time.
Once completed, the facility is expected to increase BIPSOT's annual training capacity for women peacekeepers.
The project is overseen by a Project Implementation Committee comprising representatives from the Economic Relations Division, Armed Forces Division, BIPSOT, Military Engineering Services, and UNOPS.
Major General Hussain Muhammad Mashihur Rahman stated that the facility represents a crucial investment in the future of peacekeepers.
'By creating a dedicated and enabling environment for female personnel, we are strengthening Bangladesh's capacity to contribute to global peace operations while advancing our commitment to gender equality,' he said.
Sudhir Muralidharan, country manager, UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, said the project demonstrates how targeted infrastructure can address real barriers and enable greater women's participation in peacekeeping.
'At UNOPS, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that translate global commitments into tangible impact on the ground,' he said.
Gitanjali Singh, representative, UN Women Bangladesh, said investing in gender-responsive infrastructure is essential to removing systemic barriers that limit women's participation in peacekeeping.
'This initiative represents a meaningful step towards creating an enabling environment where women can train, lead, and contribute fully to peace operations,' she said.
Philippe Bernier Arcand, second secretary for political affairs, High Commission of Canada to Bangladesh, said Canada is proud to support the initiative through the Elsie Initiative Fund.
'Increasing women's participation in peacekeeping is essential for more inclusive and effective missions, and Bangladesh continues to be a key partner in advancing this global priority,' he said.
AKM Sohel, additional secretary, Economic Relations Division, representing the Government of Bangladesh, said the project reflects Bangladesh's strong commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
'Through strategic partnerships, we are creating opportunities for more women to serve in peacekeeping missions and contribute to global peace and stability,' he said.
Organisers stated that the project will address critical infrastructure gaps, enable more women to participate in peacekeeping missions, and promote greater gender equality and more effective peace operations globally.
