The Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) assessment was developed in partnership with Cornell University to examine barriers and opportunities to women’s participation in peace operations.  After piloting the MOWIP assessment methodology in seven pilot countries, researchers and practitioners who were involved in conducting the assessment gathered lessons learned and good practices from the process.

This policy brief compiles advice from MOWIP experts to support security institutions and their national research partners when embarking on the MOWIP assessment journey.                                                            

It consists of five sections that outline the steps required to complete a MOWIP assessment: preparation, data collection, data analysis, validation, and launch.

Each section begins with a brief introduction and continues with a checklist of recommendations from MOWIP practitioners. Some sections also present “good practice” boxes with examples from previous assessments.

The assessment engages staff across the security institution, including senior leadership, and lays a solid foundation for sustainable change in awareness, attitudes and behaviours related to gender equality.

The brief was developed with support from Global Affairs Canada within the framework of the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations. You can learn more about DCAF’s work on the Elsie Initiative on the DCAF Elsie Initiative webpage. The MOWIP Methodology is the standard methodology for assessments required for applications to the Elsie Initiative Fund. All data collection tools, templates, and explainers are available on the MOWIP Toolbox webpage.

Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries looking for support to implement the MOWIP are welcome to contact the DCAF MOWIP Helpdesk for further guidance and information: elsie@dcaf.ch.