Integration of Gender into the Curriculum of Mozambique’s Defense Forces

Resolution 1325, the UN’s landmark resolution on Women, Peace and Security, reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations and in post-conflict reconstruction. Statistics show that when women are included in peace processes, there is a 20% increase in the likelihood of an agreement lasting, at least, two years and a 35% increase in the likelihood of a deal lasting for 15 years. Women are, however, greatly underrepresented, being only 2% of principal mediators, 4% of witnesses and signatories, and 9% of negotiators in peace processes between 1992 and 2011. This research paper stresses the importance of equal gender participation in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security and suggests that for the traditionally male-dominated defense sector to achieve gender equality, change must happen at the initial stage of education. Thus, this paper elaborates and puts forward a new mandatory curriculum with lessons on gender, peace and security to be adopted in the various schools of the armed forces of Mozambique for all new recruits — men and women alike.