Indian peacekeeper Suman Gawani wins UN Military Gender Award
Major Suman Gawani Mentored over 230 United Nations Military Observers in South Sudan.
For the first time, a United Nations peacekeeper, Major Suman Gawani of the Indian Army shared the United Nations Military Gender Advocate Award with another United Nations peacekeeper United of Brazil.
Major Gawani – the first Indian peacekeeper to win the award – shared the award with Commander Carla Monteiro de Castro Araujo, a Brazilian Navy officer, according to UN News.
The award, established in 2016, recognizes the dedication and efforts of individual military peacekeepers in promoting the UN principles on women, peace and security in peace operations.
Women Blue Helmets are appointed by the leaders and commanders of peace operations forces.
Gawani is a Military Observer, formerly deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where she mentored over 230 United Nations Military Observers on conflict-related sexual violence and ensured observer presence. personnel in each of the Mission’s team sites.
She also trained South Sudanese government forces and helped them launch their action plan against conflict-related sexual violence, UN News said.
Expressing his joy at seeing his work recognised, Major Gawani noted that “regardless of our function, position or rank, it is our duty as peacekeepers to integrate an all gender perspective into our work. everyday life and to make it our own, in our interactions with our colleagues as well. as for communities.
Congratulating the two female peacekeepers, UN chief António Guterres described them as powerful role models.
“Through their work, they have brought new perspectives and helped build trust between the communities we serve,” he said.
“Through their commitment and innovative approaches, they are embracing a standard of excellence that is an inspiration to all peacekeepers around the world. As we face the challenges of today, their work has never been more important or relevant.