Indian Army Officer Honored with UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for Gender-Inclusive Peacekeeping in South Sudan
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar of the Indian Army has been honored with the esteemed UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025. Her project, titled ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’, was acknowledged for its significant impact on promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping during her service in South Sudan.
During her deployment with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan as the Engagement Platoon Commander, Major Swathi led a group of 20 female soldiers starting in August 2024. This deployment was notable as it was the first instance of a female peacekeeper or an all-women team being assigned to the UN Mission in South Sudan.
Discussing the mission, Major Swathi emphasized the critical role of integrating female soldiers into operational positions alongside male troops. She stated, “We always conducted gender-inclusive patrols and ensured that women peacekeepers actively participated in all operations and activities.” This approach was key in building trust and communication with local communities.
Initially, there was reluctance among women and children in conflict zones to engage with peacekeepers. However, persistent outreach led to increased confidence among these communities. The team initiated awareness campaigns against conflict-related sexual violence and distributed protection contact cards to provide emergency assistance and enhance access to UN resources.
Through consistent interaction and targeted patrols in sensitive regions, the involvement of female peacekeepers improved community confidence and mobility. The project highlighted the essential role of both women and men in peacekeeping efforts, demonstrating how inclusive engagement can reinforce enduring peace and stability.
The global recognition of Major Swathi underscores the Indian Army’s expanding role in UN peacekeeping missions and reaffirms India’s dedication to advancing gender equality in international security operations.
