Major Radhika Sen Receives 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate Award for Service in Congo

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Indian Peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen Honored with Prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Team Finance Saathi

28/May/2024

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Major Radhika Sen of India receives the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
She served as the Engagement Platoon Commander with MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praises Major Sen as a true leader and role model.

Major Radhika Sen, an exemplary Indian woman peacekeeper, has been awarded the prestigious 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. This honor was bestowed upon her by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a ceremony on May 30, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Major Sen's remarkable service with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has earned her this recognition as a leader and role model in the field of peacekeeping.

Background and Service

Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, Major Radhika Sen's journey to becoming a decorated peacekeeper began with her education. She graduated as a biotech engineer and was in the midst of pursuing her Master’s degree from IIT Bombay when she decided to join the Indian Army eight years ago. This significant career shift highlights her dedication to serving her country and contributing to global peace efforts.

In March 2023, Major Sen was deployed to the conflict-ridden East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Commander of MONUSCO’s Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB). Her tenure, which lasted until April 2024, was marked by her leadership in a challenging environment where her troops engaged actively with conflict-affected communities, particularly focusing on women and girls.

UN Chief's Praise and Award Significance

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Major Sen, calling her a “true leader and role model.” In his statement, he highlighted her contributions in North Kivu, where her troops earned the trust of local communities through humility, compassion, and dedication. Her efforts in promoting gender-sensitive peacekeeping and engaging with communities under duress have been exemplary.

Major Sen’s receipt of the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award underscores the significance of gender perspectives in peacekeeping missions. Created in 2016, this award recognizes individual military peacekeepers who integrate gender considerations into their work, adhering to the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Major Sen's Reflections and Impact

Upon receiving the award, Major Sen expressed her gratitude, emphasizing that it acknowledges the hard work of all peacekeepers operating in the challenging environment of the DRC. She highlighted the importance of gender-sensitive peacekeeping as a collective responsibility, stating, “Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody’s business – not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!”

Her leadership in conducting mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities in volatile environments, where many were displaced by conflict, showcases her dedication to fostering peace and security. Major Sen’s work has not only impacted the communities she served but also set a benchmark for future peacekeepers.

India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

India has a longstanding tradition of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions and is currently the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers, with 124 deployed as of now. Major Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this award, following Major Suman Gawani, who was honored in 2019 for her service with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

India’s significant contributions to UN peacekeeping highlight the country’s commitment to global peace and security. The recognition of Indian peacekeepers on international platforms reinforces the importance of their roles and the impact they have on fostering stability in conflict zones.

Conclusion

Major Radhika Sen’s accolade as the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year is a testament to her exceptional service and leadership in peacekeeping. Her work with MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not only earned her international recognition but also set an example for integrating gender perspectives in peacekeeping missions. As a true leader and role model, Major Sen’s achievements highlight the crucial role of women in promoting peace and security worldwide.

The recognition of her efforts by the UN and the praise from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscore the importance of dedicated and compassionate peacekeepers like Major Sen. Her story inspires current and future peacekeepers to continue striving for peace and gender equality in conflict-affected regions.

Also Read : Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Anti-Ram Stance Ahead of Lok Sabha Final Phase

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Indian Peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen Honored with Prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award

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