Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been honoured with the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes her significant contributions to gender-sensitive peacekeeping and her dedication to creating platforms for local communities to voice their security and humanitarian concerns.
MAJOR RADHIKA SEN ; ROLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Serving with the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, from March 2023 to April 2024, Major Sen commanded the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion in eastern DRC. Her work in the volatile North Kivu region involved engaging with conflict-affected communities, earning their trust through humility, compassion, and dedication.
MAJOR RADHIKA SEN ; CONGRATULATED BY THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended Major Sen for her exemplary service, describing her as “a true credit to the United Nations.” He highlighted her efforts in actively engaging with local communities, including women and girls, and building trust in a challenging conflict environment.
MAJOR RADHIKA SEN ; CREATING IMPACTFUL COMMUNITY PLATFORMS
One of Major Sen’s significant achievements was the creation of Community Alert Networks in North Kivu. These networks provided a platform for community leaders, young people, and women to raise their security and humanitarian concerns. Major Sen and her colleagues at MONUSCO worked diligently to address these issues, ensuring that the voices of the vulnerable were heard and acted upon.
PROMOTING SAFE SPACES AND EDUCATION
As a Platoon Commander, Major Sen fostered a safe space for both men and women peacekeepers to operate together, becoming a role model for all. She ensured that her team engaged with the local population in a manner sensitive to gender and socio-cultural norms. Additionally, she facilitated English classes for children and organized health, gender, and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults, directly inspiring women’s solidarity and providing safe spaces for open dialogue.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN KASHLIRA
In the village of Kashlira, Major Sen played a crucial role as a gender advocate. She encouraged women to address issues collectively, advocate for their rights, and amplify their voices within the community, particularly in local security and peace discussions. Her efforts have empowered women to take active roles in their communities, fostering a sense of agency and participation.
MAJOR SEN’S REFLECTIONS
Upon receiving news of the award, Major Sen expressed her gratitude and reflected on the significance of her peacekeeping role. “This award is special to me as it gives recognition to the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC,” she said. She emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive peacekeeping, stating, “Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody’s business – not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!”
A PROUD MOMENT FOR INDIA
Major Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani, a co-recipient in 2019. India continues to play a significant role in UN peacekeeping missions, currently ranking as the eleventh largest contributor of women military peacekeepers with 124 now deployed.
Major Radhika Sen’s recognition as the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year is a testament to her exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact in promoting gender-sensitive peacekeeping. Her efforts have not only enhanced the effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC but have also set a powerful example for future peacekeepers.
What is the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award?
The award recognizes outstanding contributions by a military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
Who is Major Radhika Sen?
Major Radhika Sen is an Indian peacekeeper who served in the DRC with the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO from March 2023 to April 2024. She commanded the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion.
What are Community Alert Networks?
Community Alert Networks are platforms created to allow community leaders, young people, and women to voice their security and humanitarian concerns, which are then addressed by peacekeepers.
What initiatives did Major Sen undertake for local communities?
Major Sen facilitated English classes for children and organized health, gender, and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults. She also created safe spaces for dialogue and encouraged women’s empowerment in local security and peace discussions.
How has India contributed to UN peacekeeping missions?
India is the eleventh largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the UN, with 124 currently deployed. The country has a long history of participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
