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Each year, hundreds of peacekeepers from the Pacific travel thousands of miles away from home, crossing oceans and time zones to support peacekeeping missions in some of the world’s most fragile settings. As of March 2026, more than 150 peacekeepers from the Pacific had travelled halfway across the globe to be deployed in peacekeeping operations. Fiji deployed approximately 150 peacekeepers, of whom nine per cent were women, while Solomon Islands had deployed eight personnel, of whom three were women. Vanuatu currently has six peacekeepers serving in operations, including two women. These police and military personnel play a critical role in helping countries transition from conflict to peace, supporting communities, strengthening local institutions, and protecting vulnerable populations. Marie Japhet from Vanuatu serves in South Sudan as a peacekeeper. For Inspector Japhet, the work is deeply rewarding. As a woman, she says she is often able to connect more easily with vulnerable women and children in communities. During daily patrols, she and her colleagues visit communities, police stations, schools, and displacement camps, listening to concerns, building trust, and helping local authorities respond to security challenges. She describes the emotional weight of the work, particularly hearing stories from mothers struggling to provide for their children amid insecurity and poverty. “As a mother, it is hard to carry those things,” she says. “But we try to help them stay strong and resilient through the challenges they face every day.” Inspector Japhet believes women peacekeepers bring a unique perspective and empathy to the role. “Because we are women, we are mothers, we understand their pain,” she explains. “Sometimes we help them find the strength to move forward.” While Inspector Japhet works directly with communities on the ground, Miltus Talili Fomani Daniel helps lead administration behind the scenes in South Sudan. Born and raised in Solomon Islands and serving with Vanuatu, Sergeant Daniel has risen to the rank of team leader and is responsible for the welfare and administration coordination of peacekeepers on the mission.  Her work includes monitoring security situations and supporting teams deployed across different locations in South Sudan. Despite language barriers, she says women peacekeepers are often able to connect with local women in ways their male counterparts cannot. “When women in the community see us, they feel comfortable speaking to us,” she explains. “They share their concerns freely because culturally they may not speak openly to men.” For Sergeant Daniel, representation matters. “I’m proud to represent the Pacific and Vanuatu,” she says. “As women, we connect with communities on a different level.” Across peacekeeping missions around the world, Pacific peacekeepers continue to make important contributions to global peace and security. Women peacekeepers, in particular, are playing a vital role in supporting communities, protecting vulnerable groups, and helping build trust in places affected by conflict.