Twice a year, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries issues calls for inputs to inform thematic studies to be presented at the Human Rights Council in its September session and at the General Assembly in October.

The Working Group understands gender to refer to the socially constructed identities, attributes and roles of persons in relation to their sex and the social and cultural meanings attached to biological differences based on sex. These social constructs often result in hierarchical relationships between women, men and gender non-binary people and an unequal distribution of power and rights, favoring men and affecting all members of society.

Based on this understanding, the Working Group decided to examine key gender-specific considerations for the private military and security companies (PMSC) industry at the company level and in its interactions with external stakeholders in this thematic report.

On 2 April 2019, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries held a consultation on the gender dimensions of the private military and security industry. The meeting brought together academics, representatives of non-governmental organizations, industry, the United Nations, a State regulatory body, a trade union and a multi-stakeholder initiative, encompassing Africa, Europe and Latin America, as well as members of the Working Group.

Participants sought to answer questions with regard to the following issues: (1) the key intersectional gender considerations related to the impacts of operations of PMSCs in the specific contexts in which they operate, notably the differentiated impacts of PMSC actions on local communities and on wider gender relations; (2) gender-related workplace cultures and challenges, as well as issues of workplace misconduct and abuse; and (3) bringing about change in the areas of integration of gender and sexual orientation and gender identity issues and of gender equality, sensitivity, prevention and protection measures, and accountability and remedies. Read the summary of discussions.

On 27 November 2019, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) co-hosted a panel event on "Gender and PMSCs: the role of States, companies and clients addressing human rights challenges".

Speakers included:

• Dr. Chris Kwaja, Moderator, Chair-Rapporteur, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
• Ms. Carmen Rosa De Leon Escribano, Teaching Institute for Sustainable Development (IEPADES)
• Dr. Sorcha McLeod, Member, Working Group on the use of mercenaries
• Ms. Anna Marie Burdzy, DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance

See the event flyer for more details.