Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an Indian Army officer from Bengaluru serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has received the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for her work on gender-inclusive peacekeeping. Her project, titled Equal Partners, Lasting Peace, was recognised for strengthening gender parity and improving community engagement in a conflict-affected environment. The award marks the growing importance of gender-responsive approaches in modern peace operations.
About the Award
The Secretary-General’s Awards recognise outstanding contributions across the United Nations system. Recently, the Gender Category focused on initiatives that advanced gender parity and inclusive peacekeeping. Major Swathi’s project was selected from nominations across UN peacekeeping missions and UN agencies worldwide. It secured the highest number of votes among four finalists in a UN-wide voting process.
Role in UNMISS
Major Swathi’s leadership helped improve the deployment and integration of the Indian Engagement Team within UNMISS. Her work strengthened grassroots-level outreach in the mission area. The team conducted short- and long-distance patrols, integrated riverine patrols, and dynamic air patrols to remote counties in South Sudan. These operations expanded the mission’s reach in difficult terrain and improved local engagement.
Impact on Women and Communities
The initiative created a safer and more supportive environment for more than 5,000 women. It enabled greater participation in community activities and helped build trust in conflict-affected areas. The project also improved confidence among local populations by showing how inclusive peacekeeping can support stability and social cohesion.
Significance for Peacekeeping
The recognition underlines the role of gender-inclusive leadership in UN peace operations. It also reflects India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and the increasing emphasis on women’s participation in peace and security efforts. Major Swathi’s achievement is seen as a model for future missions in fragile regions.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026