John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I am aware we have troops stationed in Mali and it probably has one of the highest casualty rates of all UN missions. Since the start of the stabilisation mission in Mali, the participation of women within the process has grown from 3% to 31% and it must be said that is a massive increase. There is a critical mass theory across all disciplines that once a grouping reaches a critical mass of 35% we can begin to see tangible culture change. The chief of staff of the Mali mission, Claudia Banz, argues that while there are more women than ever before, their number remains insufficient. She states they are contributing in a significant manner in military, civil and leadership positions and their presence has had a positive impact on news, basic issues, sanitation, food safety, etc. However, there are real, serious challenges. That 31% needs to be increased because of the positive benefits women's participation in the process is having. The Minister might touch on how we are going to increase those numbers.

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