ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides the many important aspects of women keeping the peace, that is, looking at peacekeeping from a gender perspective. It argues that 'the concept and practice of peacekeeping have been a predominantly male concern, in the same way as war and military matters in general. The book discusses women's roles in the military throughout history and the implications of this for women in peacekeeping operations. It shows that 'the increased deployment of military units in peacekeeping operations has led to an appreciation of the qualities women supposedly possess regardless of whether they are genetically or socially determined.' The book suggests that the 'necessity of non-governmental organizations to monitor states and UN bodies involved in peace missions to strengthen the regime's important norms and aspirations'.
