Bangladesh produces world’s first all-women UN peacekeeping unit

A group of 160 women has become the world’s first all-woman United Nations peacekeeping force, as well as the subject of a documentary, Journey of a Thousand Miles: Peacekeepers.

The women are assigned to the U.N.’s Stabilizing Mission in Haiti, where they draw harsh criticism for being inexperienced and unprepared. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir and Sharmeen Obaid Chinoys, the film documents the challenges faced by the women in their personal as well as professional lives as they seek to break new ground.

One of the peacekeepers says: “As Bangladeshi women, we are able to change the perception of our country. We are hoping that the girls from our country will go even further in the future.” Another woman tells of her husband’s disapproval. He was very angry and he did not speak to me for a month and a half.”

The New York Times