On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Abidjan Police Academy hosted the official launch of a strategic initiative: the ELSIE Police project. Led by UN Women, this program aims to remove the barriers that still hinder the participation of Ivorian female police officers in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

An essential lever for lasting peace

For Adjaratou Ndiaye , UN Women Resident Representative in Côte d'Ivoire, the issue is clear: the effectiveness of security missions depends on gender diversity. Women in uniform bring unique added value to the field, particularly in:

1. Facilitating contact with civilian populations.
2. Strengthening the bond of trust between peacekeepers and local communities.
3. Optimizing the handling of gender-based violence (GBV).

"There can be no lasting peace without the full participation of women," she insisted.

The figures are still too modest.

Despite their crucial role, gender parity remains a significant challenge. Globally, women represent less than 8% of military personnel and approximately 22% of police forces. These statistics fall far short of the UN's 2028 targets.

In Ivory Coast, the situation is similar. Moussa Diarassouba , chief of staff representing the Minister for Women, recalled that in 2019, women made up only 10.8% of police personnel deployed on international missions.

The main axes of the ELSIE Police project

The project is not just talk; it is based on a rigorous assessment conducted in 2022 to transform existing structures. The action plan is structured around four pillars:

1. Institutional reform: Modernizing the regulatory framework to promote inclusion.
2. Training: Facilitating access for female police officers to mission preparation programs.
3. Gender policy: Systematically integrate the gender dimension within the National Police.
4. Recognition: Highlighting the outstanding achievements of female police officers.

The commitment of national authorities

Police Inspector General Dosso Siaka , representing the National Police Directorate, welcomed this opportunity to enhance Côte d'Ivoire's international standing. He reaffirmed the institution's commitment to implementing the necessary reforms so that more Ivorian female police officers will proudly represent the country in conflict zones in the future.