In the words of Dana Zhamaliyeva: "Female peacekeepers are the vital force in building a safer world".

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Before heading to Western Sahara, Dana Zhamaliyeva underwent special training for two years. Photo: KAZCENT
Before heading to Western Sahara, Dana Zhamaliyeva underwent special training for two years. Photo: KAZCENT

A servicewoman of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, Major Dana Zhamaliyeva serves in the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) as a military observer. She is the seventh female peacekeeper sent by Kazakhstan to the UN mission. In this interview, Major Dana Zhamaliyeva explains why women are pivotal to enhancing peacekeeping processes around the world.

“Involving women in peacekeeping is very important. Female peacekeepers can create and strengthen an atmosphere of trust among local residents. Female peacekeepers are the vital force in building a safer world. The trust of local residents in peacekeepers is of paramount importance. It is crucial to take into account and respect local traditions. This applies to rules and norms of behavior, wearing clothes, etc.

I wanted to become a peacekeeper because it is an opportunity to maintain peace and gain the unique experience of serving in a multinational environment, a team of like-minded people united by one goal and common tasks. This is a rare chance in life and career. Representing your country in a peacekeeping mission is a huge responsibility.

I began preparing for the mission by learning a foreign language. For five months, I studied English at the Peacekeeping Operations Center of the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan. After completing the course, I continued to study the language in more depth at private courses in my free time. All this together helped me get the necessary points during testing. Then I passed a rigorous selection for physical fitness, a medical examination, a psychological test and an exam for driving a car with a manual transmission. After selection, I was sent to a military observer training course in Switzerland, where for three weeks I practiced various scenarios and situations that could arise during the mission together with other students. After completing a full mission training course, I was sent to the African continent for service according to the established rotation schedule.

Clarifying the route during a patrol in the area of responsibility of the UN mission in Western Sahara. Photo: KAZCENT
Clarifying the route during a patrol in the area of responsibility of the UN mission in Western Sahara. Photo: KAZCENT

From the very first days of my arrival at the team site, I was actively involved in monitoring compliance with the peace agreements reached between the parties (the Moroccan army and the Polisario Front). Monitoring is the main function of a military observer and requires the highest standards and competence. For example, being able to quickly detect, recognize and identify military and other violations of the established agreements between the parties. Having detailed information about the weapons and movements of units of the conflicting parties in controlled, restricted and free movement zones. Peacekeepers are also tasked with conducting inspections and investigating incidents. Parties to a conflict often turn to UN military observers to investigate various cases of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

Dana Zhamaliyeva patrols the territory, driving hundreds of kilometers through the hot desert. Photo: KAZCENT
Dana Zhamaliyeva patrols the territory, driving hundreds of kilometers through the hot desert. Photo: KAZCENT

According to the established schedule, as part of a group of military personnel, I go on patrol, during which we conduct observation and report on the monitoring results to the mission leadership. The patrol route, which is from 100 to 500 kilometers, usually runs through a desert with a sandy and rocky surface. There is a risk of puncturing a tire on sharp rocks and getting stuck in the sand. Therefore, it is important that the car is equipped with the necessary equipment, there is a supply of water, food, and medicines. All this is checked several times before leaving. You need to be ready to quickly resolve emergency situations, change a tire, orient yourself in an unfamiliar area. It is important not to lose your way because the desert is riddled with minefields. At such moments, you understand that even a small mistake can lead to irreversible consequences."