Major Radhika Sen of India received the esteemed 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award in a ceremony held at the UN headquarters on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. The award, presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, lauded Major Sen as a true leader and role model, recognizing her remarkable contributions to the United Nations. Notably, Major Sen becomes the second Indian peacekeeper to be honored with this accolade, following in the footsteps of Major Suman Gawani, who received the award in 2019.
New York: Major Radhika Sen Of India Stands Near The Gandhi Statue At UN HQ. Sen Will Receive The Prestigious ‘2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate Of The Year Award’ From UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (Photo: PTI)
In her acceptance speech, Major Radhika Sen expressed profound humility, accepting the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award on behalf of her colleagues in MONUSCO and India. Emphasizing the critical importance of gender-sensitive peacekeeping, Major Sen called for a future where peacekeepers of all genders are equally recognized for their invaluable contributions.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s comments
“During these patrols, in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu, her troops actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including particularly women and girls,” Guterres said, adding, “She earned their trust. Doing so with humility, compassion and dedication.”
Congratulating her, Guterres called her "a true leader and role model. Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole".
UN’s comments
She also made sure that peacekeepers under her command operated with sensitivity to gender and sociocultural norms in the eastern DRC "to help build trust and thereby increase her team's chance of success", the UN said.
"Her efforts directly inspired women's solidarity, providing safe spaces for meetings and open dialogue", the UN said.
Major Radhika Sen’s comments
“Getting this prestigious award on behalf of all the peacekeepers working in MONUSCO as well as my country, India, it was just amazing, cannot describe it in words,” said Major Sen, Major Sen, who served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
During her tenure in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she initiated various programs aimed at raising awareness and empowering women. Reflecting on her initiatives, she said, “We started with the awareness on conflict-related sexual violence, women’s health, childcare, malnutrition, and gender equality.”
She noted, “Initially, it was a challenge to understand their culture and traditions, and to make our team empathetic towards them.”
“We would invite many ladies and give them a safe environment to share their experiences,” she said.
Major Radhika Sen’s Background
Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, Major Radhika Sen's journey to military distinction began eight years ago when she enlisted in the Indian Army, choosing to serve her nation over completing her Master's degree in biotech engineering at IIT Bombay. Her dedication and commitment to national service have been evident since the start of her military career.
During her deployment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Major Sen served with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024. As Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB), she led her unit on numerous patrols in the strife-ridden North Kivu region. Through her efforts, Major Sen built strong connections with local communities, particularly with women and girls affected by the conflict, earning their trust and respect. Her leadership and dedication played a crucial role in empowering these communities amidst the turmoil.
Commitment to Women, Peace, and Security
During her deployment, Major Radhika Sen served as a gender focal point and undertook civil-military responsibilities, including offering vocational training to women and youth. She also spearheaded efforts within her battalion to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. Her initiatives were lauded for creating a secure and inclusive environment where women felt empowered to voice their concerns, thereby enhancing the mission's effectiveness in addressing their needs.
Major Sen's exemplary contributions received high praise from Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj. Both highlighted her unwavering commitment to safeguarding civilians and advancing gender equality.
India’s role in UN Peacekeeping
India is currently the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the UN, with 124 deployed, reflecting its long-standing tradition of significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. The country has deployed over 6,000 military and police personnel to various UN operations worldwide, solidifying its status as one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel. With nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers having made the supreme sacrifice—the highest number from any troop-contributing country—India's commitment to global peace and security is both profound and unparalleled.
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