Research Spotlight Series: Sandra Biskupsi-Mujanovic & María Paula Espejo

“Smart” Peacekeeping: Canadian Servicewomen’s Deployment Experiences

Dr. Sandra Biskupski-Mujanovic, Postdoctoral Fellow, Political Science and International Affairs, University of Waterloo

While Canada’s reputation as a peacekeeping nation is diminishing, the Elsie Initiative is hailed for its positive contributions to increasing the representation of women in UN peacekeeping operations (PKOs) by leveraging “smart peacekeeping” logics that assume women are kinder, gentler, and more effective peacekeepers. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 40 Canadian servicewomen, this talk considers opportunities and constraints experienced by women in the CAF.

Nourishing Futures: Women’s Role in Agroecology, Climate Adaptation, and Peacebuilding

María Paula Espejo, PhD candidate, Languages and Cultures

This talk examines the transformative role of women in food systems within the context of rural transitions, climate challenges, and resilience-building. It maps agroecological principles in ASOCOMAN, a rural Colombian community demonstrating interdisciplinary connections between food systems, sustainable development, and peacebuilding. Interviews with community members highlight women’s leadership in this context, underscoring the need for greater recognition of women’s roles in peacebuilding and food system governance.