Patrick - podcast Women, Peace and Security

In this episode, we hear from Patrick Cammaert, a retired Dutch Major General who led UN peacekeeping missions in places like Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen. What began as a search for adventure in the Marine Corps became a lifelong commitment to protecting civilians in war, especially women and girls facing conflict-related sexual violence.

Patrick shares how witnessing landmine victims in Cambodia and meeting survivors of rape in Congo – alongside Dr. Denis Mukwege in Panzi Hospital – fundamentally changed his understanding of war. He calls rape in conflict “slow murder”: not a single moment of violence, but a lifelong struggle for dignity, safety and survival. These encounters fuelled his determination to push peacekeeping troops beyond their comfort zone, to take risks, act preventively and truly protect the people who trust the blue helmets with their lives.

He also explains why this is not a “women’s issue”, but a responsibility for men as well. As commanders, peacekeepers and political leaders. For Patrick, peace without women at the table is incomplete: women negotiators, women in senior UN roles and women in communities see risks and solutions that men often miss.

His message to the world is clear and urgent: if we want real peace and security, we must put more women in positions of power, listen to survivors, and have the courage to act – not just speak – when civilians are in danger.