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Women lead in the field - CSDP civilian missions

Enhancing women’s participation has been an important part of the work in civilian CSDP from its beginning.

women empowerment
© European Union, 2026

 

Women are making their mark in civilian Missions as part of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) based on skills and competence. This month, the seventh woman has been appointed as Head of Mission out of a total of 13 existing civilian CSDP missions, and our congratulations go to Cornelia Taylor who becomes the Head of Mission of the EU Advisory Mission in Ukraine.

Enhancing women’s participation in civilian CSDP Missions

Equal opportunities is a fundamental value of the European Union. The missions have a target of 40% women, aiming for gender parity, including in leadership positions. Enhancing women’s participation has been an important part of the work in civilian CSDP from its beginning, to ensure that our missions are representative of the societies in which they operate. Achieving this goal at senior leadership level shows the commitment of the Member States to provide excellent female candidates for top roles. 

The work to enhance gender equality in civilian CSDP continues, both internally and externally. Civilian Operations Headquarters and the missions are fully engaged. Beyond the equality agenda, gender parity facilitates the implementation of the varied mission mandates. 

The missions also work actively with third country counterparts in order to enhance women’s participation. This means among other things encouraging women’s participation and leadership in civilian security sector, and integrating a gender perspective in security sector reforms, in monitoring activities, in training and in advising and mentoring.