Traditionally, women in conflict zones are seen as simply suffering the consequences. This ignores their crucial role as leaders. Women play a vital part in ending conflicts by rebuilding communities and managing economies after war. They even organize camps for displaced people. There has been an important focus on empowering women as leaders in their communities and how to provide support and encouragement for women to take on some leadership roles.
The reality is women are deeply affected by conflict. They may become fighters, family providers or peace advocates. However, they are often excluded from peace talks despite the disproportionate impact war has on them. Long-lasting peace requires ensuring women's safety. Women themselves are best suited to define what security means for them. There are mainly three key areas where women can promote security: peace negotiations and peacekeeping, reconciliation and rebuilding after war, and economic development.
Recognizing the importance of women's involvement, the UN passed a resolution in 2000 calling for their greater participation in peace talks and decision-making. It also emphasizes protecting women from sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable. Despite progress, women in conflict zones still face challenges. They often lack a voice in peace talks and reconstruction efforts, have limited economic opportunities and remain vulnerable to sexual violence. Sharing best practices is crucial to support women in these situations.
It's important to bring together experts from various backgrounds to discuss women's role in global security. They often share experiences, propose ways to increase women's participation and identify obstacles to achieving this goal. Most conferences included participants from conflict zones like Afghanistan, Liberia and Uganda along with representatives from Europe, the US, and international organizations.
Role and Impact of Women in Peacekeeping
Women have been actively engaged in various sectors such as police, military and civilian roles by significantly contributing to the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts. Their involvement has not only strengthened the role of women in promoting peace but also in safeguarding women's rights.
In all aspects of peacekeeping operations, female peacekeepers have demonstrated that they are equally capable as their male counterparts by performing their duties to the same standards and under equally challenging conditions. Thus, it is crucial for operational success to actively recruit and retain female peacekeepers.
Back in 1993, women comprised a mere 1% of the deployed uniformed personnel. By 2020, this percentage had increased wherein women made up 4.8% of military contingents, 10.9% of formed police units and 34% of justice and corrections personnel provided by governments in UN Peacekeeping missions. Although the UN strongly promotes and supports the inclusion of women in uniformed roles, the actual deployment of women in police and military positions is managed by Member States. To address this, the UN Police Division initiated 'the Global Effort', aiming to enhance the recruitment of female police officers both in national police services and UN police operations globally. The targets set for 2028 include having women constitute 15% of military contingents, 25% of military observers and staff officers, 20% of formed police units and 30% of individual police officers.
Celebrating Gender-Sensitive Peacekeeping: Major Radhika Sen’s Award and Advocacy
- Major Radhika Sen’s Recognition: Major Radhika Sen of the Indian Army has been honoured with the prestigious ‘United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year’ award for 2023. This accolade recognizes her significant contributions in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in United Nations peacekeeping operations. She is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this honour, following Major Suman Gawani who was a co-recipient in 2019.
- Advocacy for Gender-Sensitive Peacekeeping: In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Major Sen highlighted the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in peacekeeping. Speaking at the United Nations she emphasised, "We as peacekeepers should continue to address the needs of all those affected in the conflict and act as a role model for society to implement a gender-sensitive approach for lasting peace." Her words captured the essence of her mission and the collective effort of peacekeepers worldwide to foster inclusive and sustainable peace processes.
Challenges and Achievements in the Congo
Major Sen was deployed to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024. During her tenure as the Engagement Team Commander of the Indian Rapidly Deployed Battalion, she faced numerous challenges but remained dedicated to her commitment. In her speech, she acknowledged the collective effort of her colleagues by stating, "This award is special to me as it recognises the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in MONUSCO's challenging environment."
Highlighting Gender Equality in Conflict Zones
A key point in Major Sen’s address was the critical issue of gender equality in conflict zones. She highlighted the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and stressed the urgent need to mainstream women in nation-building efforts. Her advocacy for gender-sensitive peacekeeping reflects her deep understanding of the complex dynamics in conflict-affected areas.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
Expressing her gratitude, Major Sen thanked her engagement platoon and her second-in-command Major Soumya Singh of her contingent and mission stakeholders for their unwavering support. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to MONUSCO for appointing Captain Cecilia Arzua as a gender advisor and mentor, enriching their contributions. "I encourage the United Nations and member states to tap into the rich network this award has created," Major Sen urged by emphasizing the importance of broader engagement in gender-sensitive peacekeeping.
Honouring Fallen Heroes
During the same program, the Secretary-General awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal to honour Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. "His professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with his family and honour his legacy of service to the cause of peace," Major Sen said by paying tribute to her fallen companion.
Major Radhika Sen’s recognition as the 'United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year' emphasises the critical role of gender-sensitive approaches in peacekeeping. Her dedication and advocacy highlight the need for inclusive peace processes and the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by women in conflict zones. Through her efforts and those of her colleagues, the path to sustainable peace becomes clearer and more achievable.
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