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The pilot Gender Focal Point (GFP) Course, conducted at the Peace and Conflict Studies School brings together participants from The Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. Supported by the Kingdom of Denmark, the course was officially opened by the Defence Attache to Kenya and Somalia, Colonel Lasse Sand.
Around the world, organizations are recognizing that gender equality is not just a moral imperative but it is a driver of performance, inclusion and sustainable results. Introduction of Gender Focal Points within the Military are at the heart of making that change happen. Gender equality within the Military setup can only happen when military personnel understand the issues, know the tools and are empowered to act.
The main aim of this course is to prepare participants to perform the duties of a Gender Focal Point (GFP) within their respective organizations. The course provides a clear understanding of the role, responsibilities, and mandate of a GFP, and equips participants to effectively contribute to the integration of gender perspectives within their functional areas.
By strengthening the capacity of Gender Focal Points across the region, the course contributes to the development of more inclusive, responsive, and effective security institutions. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their roles as agents of change and are better positioned to support the integration of gender perspectives in policy, planning, operations, and institutional processes.
The pilot course marks an important milestone in advancing gender equality within the peace and security sector and reflects IPSTC's continued commitment to promoting inclusive approaches to peace support operations. Through partnerships such as that with the Kingdom of Denmark, the Centre continues to empower military personnel with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster positive organizational change and enhance operational effectiveness across the region.
As a capability-enhancing initiative, the Course is designed to strengthen the preparedness of peacekeepers operating in increasingly complex and high-risk environments. Through practical and technical instruction, participants gain the expertise required to safely operate heavy engineering equipment, mitigate explosive threats, and support mission-critical infrastructure development, ultimately improving the effectiveness and safety of peace operations.
In his opening remarks, Commandant HPSS Brigadier Mundui highlighted the importance of investing in specialized training to address the evolving demands of modern peace support missions. He noted that the course not only builds individual competencies but also strengthens the collective capacity of troop-contributing countries by promoting interoperability, professionalism, and the sharing of best practices among participating nations. He encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity and apply the knowledge gained to enhance operational effectiveness in future deployments.
The Chief Guest, Counsellor at the Embassy of Japan, Mr Hori reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting international peace and security through sustainable capacity-building partnerships. He observed that the HEE/EHAT Course reflects the shared vision of Japan, Kenya, and the United Nations to develop highly skilled peacekeepers capable of addressing emerging operational challenges.
The EHAT/HEE Course represents a significant investment in the future of peace support operations, fostering a cadre of well-trained personnel equipped with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to enhance mission success, protect lives, and support sustainable peacebuilding efforts across the region and beyond.
Sponsored by Austria, the course serves as a critical platform for strengthening technical expertise and enhancing best practices in the management, control, and security of stockpiles. Through a combination of practical sessions, expert-led discussions, and scenario-based learning, participants are gaining hands-on skills tailored to address real-world security challenges across their respective countries.
Participants are not only building individual capacity but are also equipped to return home as agents of change, driving reforms, improving accountability, and reinforcing national and regional security frameworks. The diversity of participating countries adds a powerful regional dimension to the training. By fostering collaboration among Francophone nations, the course is creating a strong network of professionals who can share knowledge, harmonize approaches, and collectively address emerging security threats. This exchange of experiences and best practices enhances interoperability and promotes a unified approach to stockpile management across borders.
As the course progresses, it continues to build more than just technical expertise, it is shaping a shared commitment to stronger, safer, and more accountable systems. The knowledge being exchanged and the networks being forged will extend far beyond the training room, driving sustained impact and reinforcing collective efforts toward lasting peace and security across the region.
