Major Swathi Shantha Kumar Honored with UN Award for Gender-Inclusive Peacekeeping Achievement
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an officer in the Indian Army, has been awarded the United Nations Secretary-General's Award 2025 for her groundbreaking efforts in promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping. This esteemed accolade emphasizes her role in pushing for gender equality in United Nations missions, highlighting India's dedication to fair and effective global security efforts.
Originating from Bengaluru, Karnataka, Major Kumar is part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where she has shown remarkable commitment to peacekeeping activities. Her career as an Indian Army officer merges military prowess with humanitarian aims, concentrating on conflict resolution in difficult settings. Her work with UNMISS positions her as a key player in stabilizing regions plagued by persistent unrest, where gender issues are vital to achieving lasting peace.
Major Kumar's project, "Equal Partners, Lasting Peace," earned recognition through its selection from various nominations across UN peacekeeping missions and associated agencies globally. The initiative advocates for gender-sensitive approaches in peacekeeping, focusing on integrating women into security initiatives to achieve sustained stability in South Sudan. By tackling obstacles to women's involvement and enhancing cooperative frameworks, the project supports wider UN objectives of gender parity, in alignment with resolutions like UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Her contributions have been crucial in establishing female-led peace efforts that incorporate varied viewpoints, thereby boosting the efficacy of peacekeeping missions. Her strategy empowers female peacekeepers and enhances community involvement, resulting in more robust outcomes in conflict-heavy areas.
As the second Indian peacekeeper to be honored with the UN Secretary-General's Award, Major Kumar's recognition underscores India's enduring role in global peacekeeping. Her successes exemplify how gender considerations can be woven into military and diplomatic initiatives, advancing a more inclusive global security framework. In South Sudan, where gender inequality heightens vulnerabilities, such projects lead to meaningful enhancements in local governance and conflict mitigation.
The accolade has been met with widespread praise, with officials from both UNMISS and India applauding her demonstration of effective leadership in peacekeeping. It highlights the essential function of female officers in bridging the gap between policy and implementation, ensuring peacekeeping endeavors are both fair and impactful.
Major Swathi Shantha Kumar's recognition with the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 exemplifies her professional distinction and commitment to gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Through her initiative and service, she continually inspires progress in international security, reinforcing the idea that equal partnerships are vital for enduring peace. Her narrative underscores the transformative power of individual leadership within multilateral systems, offering valuable lessons for future peacekeepers.
