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Malaysia and MINDEF's commitment to women, peace, and security: Driving change in global defence
Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin speaking at the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin on May 14, 2025. - Filepic/BERNAMA
THE nation’s proactive stance in defence and security reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that peacekeeping efforts are not only effective but also equitable, inclusive, and aligned with international best practices. Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), under the leadership of YB Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, has reaffirmed its dedication to global peace and stability. Speaking at the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 in Berlin, he outlined Malaysia’s latest commitments to strengthening peacekeeping efforts and advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. In recognition of its efforts, Malaysia was honoured with a United Nations (UN) award celebrating the participation of female peacekeepers in its international missions. The recognition underscores Malaysia’s achievements in integrating female peacekeepers into international operations, highlighting its commitment to fostering a more inclusive approach to global security.
AI Brief
One of Malaysia’s key efforts in enhancing peace operations includes the preparation of an infantry battalion for future UN peacekeeping missions, ensuring that troops are equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to handle complex security challenges. In addition to military readiness, Malaysia has expanded its peacekeeping training programs through the Malaysia Peacekeeping Centre (MPC), incorporating specialized WPS courses to promote gender-responsive strategies in peacekeeping missions and Strengthening the WPS agenda to align with UN gender targets.
Implementing WPS: A Strategic Framework
To effectively implement WPS principles, Malaysia has structured its initiatives through a three-tiered approach, ensuring alignment with national and international defence policies. At the strategic level, Malaysia has actively incorporated WPS priorities into its Defence White Paper, reinforcing its commitment to meeting UN gender participation benchmarks. The country has already exceeded UN targets for female staff and observers, reaching 27.56% participation, and has outlined a structured plan to increase female participation in contingents to 15% by 2028. To further institutionalize gender-inclusive policies, MINDEF has appointed Deputy Secretary General, (Management) as the Gender Focal Point to oversee the implementation of gender-responsive strategies. Additionally, MINDEF is collaborating with key ministries to develop a National Action Plan for WPS, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gender integration in security operations. At the armed forces level, WPS efforts are strengthened by the Director General of the Defence Training Department, Defence Operations and Training Division who chairs the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Women’s Development Committee. This role ensures WPS principles are integrated into MAF operations, training, and courses by reinforcing the commitment to gender-responsive peacekeeping and security strategies.
At the operational level, MAF has strengthened its training framework through the MPC in Port Dickson. Among its pioneering initiatives is the Gender Advisor Course, introduced in 2020, which equips military personnel with gender-sensitive peacekeeping strategies. MAF has also formed a partnership with Kingston Leadership Team Incorporated (KLT Inc.) to expand WPS training programs, enhancing the depth and scope of gender-focused education for peacekeepers. In addition, all Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for the Malaysian Battalion incorporates WPS modules, ensuring that troops are well-prepared to address gender-related challenges in conflict environments.
Challenges, Emerging Trends and Way Forward
One of the issues under WPS that need to look into is Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Despite significant strides in gender-responsive peacekeeping, (GBV) continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements and shifting social dynamics. Among the most pressing challenges is the dual role of technology, which serves both as a tool for empowerment and exploitation.
On one hand, digital advancements have facilitated awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and AI-driven monitoring tools that help prevent violence and protect victims. However, the misuse of technology has introduced new forms of GBV, cyberstalking, deep fake exploitation, and privacy violations. Beyond digital threats, GBV is often framed in binary terms, overlooking intra-gender violence and structural inequalities. Discrimination within gender groups, workplace exclusion, and economic oppression restrict women’s opportunities, reinforcing inequalities in security and defence sectors. Addressing non-traditional GBV is essential in achieving gender parity and removing systemic barriers.
Therefore, to effectively advance the WPS agenda, Malaysia must promote cross-sector collaboration, integrating perspectives from law enforcement, academics, think tanks, and civil society organizations. Strengthening youth-led peacebuilding initiatives is also vital actively incorporates young voices in national security strategies. Additionally, leveraging technology for protection is crucial. Implementing AI-driven monitoring tools and reporting platforms will provide secure avenues for seeking justice while ensuring safe online spaces. Malaysia must also expand discussions beyond conventional military frameworks, integrating geopolitical and geostrategic perspectives to address traditional and non-traditional threats to women’s security.
Conclusion
MINDEF has made commendable progress in advancing gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Through structured policies, enhanced training programs, and strategic collaborations. However, the journey toward full gender inclusivity in defence is ongoing, requiring continuous policy refinement, technological innovation, and cross-sector cooperation. With sustained commitment and collaboration, Malaysia is well-positioned to foster a future where women are not only protected but empowered to lead, serve, and contribute to global peace efforts.
* Lt Kol Ts Dr Maimunah Omar is one of the speaker for women, peace and security segment during Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.
AI Brief
- Malaysia, led by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, is committed to gender-inclusive peacekeeping, earning a UN award for female participation in peace missions.
- Malaysia has developed structured WPS (Women, Peace, and Security) programs, including special training, national policies, and partnerships to boost womens roles in defense and peacekeeping.
- Challenges like gender-based violence (GBV) and technological threats remain, but Malaysia aims to address them through cross-sector collaboration, youth involvement, and advanced monitoring tools.
One of Malaysia’s key efforts in enhancing peace operations includes the preparation of an infantry battalion for future UN peacekeeping missions, ensuring that troops are equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to handle complex security challenges. In addition to military readiness, Malaysia has expanded its peacekeeping training programs through the Malaysia Peacekeeping Centre (MPC), incorporating specialized WPS courses to promote gender-responsive strategies in peacekeeping missions and Strengthening the WPS agenda to align with UN gender targets.
Implementing WPS: A Strategic Framework
To effectively implement WPS principles, Malaysia has structured its initiatives through a three-tiered approach, ensuring alignment with national and international defence policies. At the strategic level, Malaysia has actively incorporated WPS priorities into its Defence White Paper, reinforcing its commitment to meeting UN gender participation benchmarks. The country has already exceeded UN targets for female staff and observers, reaching 27.56% participation, and has outlined a structured plan to increase female participation in contingents to 15% by 2028. To further institutionalize gender-inclusive policies, MINDEF has appointed Deputy Secretary General, (Management) as the Gender Focal Point to oversee the implementation of gender-responsive strategies. Additionally, MINDEF is collaborating with key ministries to develop a National Action Plan for WPS, ensuring a comprehensive approach to gender integration in security operations. At the armed forces level, WPS efforts are strengthened by the Director General of the Defence Training Department, Defence Operations and Training Division who chairs the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Women’s Development Committee. This role ensures WPS principles are integrated into MAF operations, training, and courses by reinforcing the commitment to gender-responsive peacekeeping and security strategies.
At the operational level, MAF has strengthened its training framework through the MPC in Port Dickson. Among its pioneering initiatives is the Gender Advisor Course, introduced in 2020, which equips military personnel with gender-sensitive peacekeeping strategies. MAF has also formed a partnership with Kingston Leadership Team Incorporated (KLT Inc.) to expand WPS training programs, enhancing the depth and scope of gender-focused education for peacekeepers. In addition, all Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for the Malaysian Battalion incorporates WPS modules, ensuring that troops are well-prepared to address gender-related challenges in conflict environments.
Challenges, Emerging Trends and Way Forward
One of the issues under WPS that need to look into is Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Despite significant strides in gender-responsive peacekeeping, (GBV) continues to evolve, influenced by technological advancements and shifting social dynamics. Among the most pressing challenges is the dual role of technology, which serves both as a tool for empowerment and exploitation.
On one hand, digital advancements have facilitated awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and AI-driven monitoring tools that help prevent violence and protect victims. However, the misuse of technology has introduced new forms of GBV, cyberstalking, deep fake exploitation, and privacy violations. Beyond digital threats, GBV is often framed in binary terms, overlooking intra-gender violence and structural inequalities. Discrimination within gender groups, workplace exclusion, and economic oppression restrict women’s opportunities, reinforcing inequalities in security and defence sectors. Addressing non-traditional GBV is essential in achieving gender parity and removing systemic barriers.
Therefore, to effectively advance the WPS agenda, Malaysia must promote cross-sector collaboration, integrating perspectives from law enforcement, academics, think tanks, and civil society organizations. Strengthening youth-led peacebuilding initiatives is also vital actively incorporates young voices in national security strategies. Additionally, leveraging technology for protection is crucial. Implementing AI-driven monitoring tools and reporting platforms will provide secure avenues for seeking justice while ensuring safe online spaces. Malaysia must also expand discussions beyond conventional military frameworks, integrating geopolitical and geostrategic perspectives to address traditional and non-traditional threats to women’s security.
Conclusion
MINDEF has made commendable progress in advancing gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Through structured policies, enhanced training programs, and strategic collaborations. However, the journey toward full gender inclusivity in defence is ongoing, requiring continuous policy refinement, technological innovation, and cross-sector cooperation. With sustained commitment and collaboration, Malaysia is well-positioned to foster a future where women are not only protected but empowered to lead, serve, and contribute to global peace efforts.
* Lt Kol Ts Dr Maimunah Omar is one of the speaker for women, peace and security segment during Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.
** The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of Astro AWANI.