The recent highlight of the news cycle has been Major Suman Gawani, an Indian Army officer. Major Gawani, who served as a peacekeeper with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2019, has been awarded the prestigious “United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award”. The award was conferred upon her during an online ceremony organized at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, New York (USA) to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Understanding the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is a significant global honor. It recognizes the unwavering dedication and tireless effort of an individual peacekeeper in championing the principles within the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. The resolution underlines the critical role that women play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.
About United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
UNMISS was established by the Security Council in 2011. The primary objective of UNMISS is to consolidate peace and security and help to create conditions conducive to development in the Republic of South Sudan. It aims to strengthen the governance capacity of the Government of South Sudan so that it can govern effectively and democratically, fostering good relations with neighboring countries. South Sudan became an independent nation, separate from Sudan, on 9th July 2011. This independence was the fruit of a 2005 agreement that ended the longest-running civil war in Africa.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is a designated day, observed annually on 29th May, to pay tribute to all men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The theme for 2020 was “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace”.
The Role of UN Peacekeepers
UN peacekeepers have a critical role in providing security and both political and peacebuilding support. They assist nations undergoing the strenuous transition from conflict to peace, navigating through the initial difficult phases. These peacekeepers help to establish a sense of calm and stability, fostering an environment where development and growth can flourish.
Serving as a credible source of information, their contribution often goes beyond their immediate peacekeeping duties. They help to build bridges between conflicting parties and work towards establishing a long-term peaceful resolution. In doing so, they uphold the principles of the United Nations and contribute to global peace and security.
The recognition of Major Suman Gawani with this award underscores the importance of women peacekeepers in conflict zones worldwide and highlights the significant role that women play in maintaining global peace and security.