Princess Tessy of Luxembourg on serving in a warzone and being a victim of attempted abuse

Princess Tessy (centre), while serving in Kosovo in 2004
Princess Tessy (centre), while serving in Kosovo in 2004 Credit: Courtesy of Princess Tessy of Luxembourg

I have never before written about my experiences as a UN peacekeeper, but I wanted to support the United Nations Association – UK (UNA-UK) in raising awareness about peacekeeping. Here in the UK, we don’t often hear about the vital work of peacekeepers, including British troops serving in Cyprus, South Sudan, Somalia and elsewhere, let alone what it’s like to be a woman doing this job.

I joined the Luxembourg Army in June 2002, at barely 18 years of age. The first year of training was challenging but it was an incredible school of life. I learnt to deal with my weaknesses and transformed them into new strengths, from combat training and shooting exercises – still one of my passions – to  learning the theories of warfare. 

The highlight of my five-year military career was my involvement in the UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo from March to August 2004. I volunteered to take part in the Belukos 13/15 detachment and was the only female member of my draft.  Getting involved in peacekeeping is an extremely rewarding experience for soldiers.

Princess Tessy and Prince Louis of Luxembourg (third and fourth from left) celebrating National Day 2016 with other members of the royal family
Princess Tessy and Prince Louis of Luxembourg (third and fourth from left) celebrating National Day 2016 with other members of the royal family Credit: ALMY

This is life-saving work that we should all be proud of. Even though UN peacekeeping has been – rightly – criticised, not least due to charges of sexual abuse, peacekeeping remains a mobiliser of international goodwill that has encouraged armies from all over the world to work together to end, rather than start, wars.

My UN deployment is a memory that I will cherish forever. It taught me how to stay strong in difficult  situations. My day-to-day job was very simple: I  worked in a two-person unit that took care of logistics to support my colleagues. I drove a Hummer and a truck – or anything else to hand – and provided support during night watches, searches and other  operations. 

But the core of my job was different. As a woman – one of very few female peacekeepers – I found that I was able to provide a service for women and girls, who suffer terribly in conflict zones. While doing night watches or searches, I was able to support them, listen to them and defend them. 

There were times when I, like they, wanted to escape the harsh, male-dominated environment. I also experienced a degree of attempted abuse. Luckily, I had the tools and training to defend myself. However, hundreds of thousands of women all over the world are not as fortunate. I want to speak up for them.

Throughout my deployment I wanted to be strong; strong for all women who were suffering in conflict and post-conflict zones, and strong for my female military colleagues from all over the world. I felt I was part of a very important mission that only women could carry out.

Female UN peacekeepers can defend, support and encourage all women to speak up and fight for each other in a world where  violence is unfortunately a reality. Although my experience was bittersweet at times, I know that a female peacekeeper is a good addition to any deployment.

Princess Tessy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, 2004
Princess Tessy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, 2004 Credit: Courtesy of Princess Tessy of Luxembourg

Women are just as strong, hard-working and qualified as men, but they also create a different atmosphere. They are crucial to providing security in environments where women are generally the prime victims.  My peacekeeping experience has taught me  many vital skills: to be organised, professional, and compassionate towards individuals who need help and guidance.

Moreover, it taught me about leadership, teamwork and ethics.  I use these skills every day, both when I am  with my family and at work. Whenever I speak at conferences, I refer to my time as a female UN peacekeeper as one of my proudest achievements. 

UNA-UK has long campaigned for the service of British peacekeepers to be recognised in this country. I hope all of you will join them in supporting the brave women and men who risk their lives for global peace. 

Princess Tessy and Prince Louis attend an official engagement in Luxembourg in 2013
Princess Tessy and Prince Louis attend an official engagement in Luxembourg in 2013 Credit: ALMAY 

  

Her Royal Highness Princess Tessy of Luxembourg is a former officer in the Luxembourg Army and an adviser to  the United Nations Association – UK . After military service, she became the global advocate for young women and adolescent girls at UNAids, before being nominated as associate fellow for the Centre on Global Health Security at Chatham House in the UK.

She co-founded a non-profit educational organisation called Professors Without Borders. She also collaborates regularly with institutions such as Nato, UNAids, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Caritas and the Luxembourg Institute of Health in its department of population health.

In her academic career, Princess Tessy specialised in extreme nationalism and biological terrorism. In May 2016 she joined the team of security firm DS-48 as co-director. 

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