Elsie Initiative Fund opens new call for proposals to advance inclusive peacekeeping

Hosted by UN Women, the event brought together senior United Nations leadership, Member States, partners, and donors. The launch coincides with the upcoming 25^th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, offering a critical opportunity to reflect on progress, as well as the persistent gaps in advancing the full, equal and meaningful participation of uniformed women in peacekeeping.

"What makes the EIF unique is its ability to connect evidence with action. It translates global commitments into tangible results," said Ms. Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.

The EIF is a global fund and strategic enabler of institutional reform, supporting evidence-based and sustainable initiatives that aim to remove barriers to uniformed women's participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations. It aligns with key UN priorities, including Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+), the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (UGPS), and the Secretary-General's New Agenda for Peace-translating global commitments to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda into concrete institutional action.

In a statement, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, United Nations Department of Peace Operations, said "The Elsie Initiative Fund has been a crucial partner in promoting women's meaningful participation and supporting Member States in assessing barriers, implementing gender-responsive projects, trialling innovative approaches, and promoting Gender-Strong Units."

The event highlighted results from EIF-supported projects in Senegal, Uruguay, and Fiji, and announced the opening of the call for Letters of Interest (LOIs) for the Fund's Fourth Programming Round, open until 31 January 2026. Applicants include Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) and UN entities that wish to apply for funding to implement or plan barrier assessments, institutional reforms, or the deployment of Gender Strong Units.

"Women's full, equal, and meaningful participation in peacekeeping is not a side issue-it is fundamental to the future of peace operations. When women are empowered to serve and to lead, peacekeeping is stronger. We prevent gender-based violence more effectively, and we support host countries to build more inclusive security institutions. This is why the Elsie Initiative Fund matters. The Fund has supported projects that are dismantling barriers and catalysing institutional reforms," said Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, Acting Military Adviser, United Nations Department of Peace Operations.

Since its inception in 2019, the EIF has provided technical and financial support to 26 security institutions in 16 T/PCCs, and three UN Peace Operations, catalysing institutional change and promoting gender-responsive peace and security institutions.

For more information on the EIF and the Fourth Programming Round, visit: https://elsiefund.org/fourth-programming-round.

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