Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) is the EU HQ for the 13 civilian CSDP missions deployed on three continents. The 16 course participants were gender focal points from six different civilian CSDP missions. The trainers of the course included gender experts from CPCC, OSCE, EULEX Kosovo and EUCAP Somalia.

The interactive course covered various aspects on how a gender perspective can be effectively integrated in the context of civilian CSDP missions. The topics included gender equality concepts, gender analysis, gender-sensitive communication, how to effectively advocate for gender mainstreaming and an overview of EU’s frameworks and policies on gender equality, and women, peace and security (WPS).

The training offered the gender focal points also possibilities to discuss their roles, meet other focal points and share experiences. There were lively exchanges on different aspects of gender mainstreaming.

This was the second time CPCC and OSCE joined forces for the training. Enhancing partnerships with regional organisations, such as OSCE, is an important area of work for civilian CSDP. The EU has long-standing commitments on the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, promoting gender equality and systematically mainstreaming a gender perspective.

As OSCE actively works on gender equality and the implementation of the WPS agenda as well, the event was an excellent opportunity for mutual learning on good practices and challenges of gender mainstreaming work in the field.