The Crime and Justice Research Centre is hosting an upcoming seminar with speaker Dr. Lesley Pruitt from Monash University, who will be presenting on the UN’s first all-female peacekeeping unit.
Title: “The Women in Blue Helmets: Gender, Policing, and the UN’s First All-Female Peacekeeping Unit”
- Date: Thursday 22nd September 2016
- Time: 3:30-5pm
- Location: C412, Level 4 C Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George St, Brisbane 4000
Abstract: This project explores the story of the first all-female police unit deployed by India to the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia in January 2007. It investigates how the unit was originated, developed, and implemented, offering an important historical record of this unique initiative. Examining precedents in policing in the troop-contributing country and recent developments in policing in the host country, the project offers contextually rich examination of all-female units, explores the potential benefits of and challenges to women’s participation in peacekeeping, and illuminates broader questions about the relationship between gender, peace, and security.
About the speaker: Lesley Pruitt is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Monash University. Lesley’s research focuses on recognising and enhancing youth participation in peacebuilding and promoting gender equity in peace processes.
Originally from the US, Lesley worked in Congress before moving to Australia to complete her postgraduate studies. A Truman Scholar and Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, Lesley received her Masters & PhD from the University of Queensland. Prior to joining Monash, Lesley held academic appointments at the University of Melbourne, Victoria University, and RMIT University. In 2012 she also served as a visiting research fellow at George Mason University’s Peacekeeping Operations Policy Program in Washington, DC.
Her latest book, The Women in Blue Helmets: Gender, Policing & the UN’s First All-Female Peacekeeping Unit is available through the University of California Press. Earlier works include her book, Youth Peacebuilding: Music, Gender & Change, available through SUNY Press, and a number of academic journal articles in outlets such as International Feminist Journal of Politics and Australian Journal of Political Science.
To register, please email your name, affiliation and any dietary requirements to am.gurd@qut.edu.au by 5pm Monday 19th September 2016.
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