This research was conducted by the Institute of International Affairs (IAI) in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD). As part of the initiatives carried out by IAI's Security and Defence Programme, the research aimed at addressing women’s role within peace operations, as well as their contribution to security and peace building. Based on Italy's contribution to the NATO-led missions, ISAF and, currently, Resolute Support, the case study of the analysis is Afghanistan, and particularly the Herat Province.