Language matters

All girl UN squad a success

Why is the BBC using such a sexist infantilising title to refer to adult soldiers. I imagine it is to tantalise male readers with the image of "sexy girls in uniform", which is a disgusting tactic to use on UN peacekeepers.

Imagine the outrage if male soldiers were called boys. The protests would inflame the blogosphere. Why is it so acceptable to belittle and infantilise women? Why is a somewhat reputable source of international news as the BBC demeaning over fifty percent of its readers?

It is a pity because the article itself is interesting and informative and more importantly is manages to be so without infantilising adult soldiers. One point, of some import, is that the reason women were chosen for this mission is extreme sexual violence in Liberia.

The UN is experimenting with all female units because female soldiers are seen as less threatening and more approachable in post-conflict situations, where populations are recovering from years of violence and fear.

In Liberia this is of particular importance because the country has experienced an epidemic of sexual violence against women.

Lucia Williams, a midwife who works at a free medical centre with Medecines Sans Frontiers in Monrovia, says rape is on the increase and "has become a sport."

As part of the ongoing campaign to end sexual violence, it is hoped the visible presence of female soldiers will empower local Liberian women and encourage them to join the police force. (Source)

The all female peacekeepers were chosen to because of the rampant sexual violence in Liberia. (See here for more information including a video) Anybody see the irony in belittling the female peacekeepers who are there because of the all male units in the past?

The use of the term "girls" shows a clear a lack of respect when applied to adult women and seems to be implying that, hey, if a bunch of girls can do it - anybody can. It cheapens the peacekeeping work of these and other soldiers.

The world's first all-female unit of United Nations peacekeepers has been deemed a success, and has had its mission extended for another six months.

A 105-strong paramilitary police unit of women from India has been based in Liberia since January, working to help keep the peace in a country which is still recovering from 14 years of civil war.

For the last six months, the unit has patrolled the capital, Monrovia, 24 hours a day. They have kept guard at public buildings such as the foreign ministry and protected the unarmed, recently-trained Liberian National Police officers as they gained "on the job" experience. (Source)

On the BBC there is nothing but respect for male soldiers who are serving overseas. All I and others ask is for the same courtesy. Do not infantilise women.