May 11, 2017:  In its official blog, the U.S. Department of State reports on steps taken through the Global Peace Operative Initiative (GPOI) to increase the role of women in peacekeeping.  GPOI is managed by the Department of State, in partnership with the Department of Defense, and works with 53 active partner countries around the world to enhance international capacity to effectively conduct United Nations (UN) and regional peace operations. See article:  U.S. Efforts to Promote Women, Peace, and Security in Peacekeeping  (blogs.state.gov)