Who is Major Radhika Sen, set to receive UN gender advocate award?

This prestigious award, established in 2016, recognises the dedication of individual military peacekeepers in promoting gender equality across peacekeeping missions. It aligns with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. The awardee is chosen from candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of missions from all peace operations, according to UN peacekeeping.

Sen joined the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) from March 2023 to April 2024. She served as the commander of MONUSCO’s engagement platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB), according to a UN press release.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his admiration for Sen, describing her as “a true leader and role model”. He added, “Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole.”

Sen said the award is “special to her”. “This award is special to me as it gives recognition to the hard work put in by all peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC, giving their best to bring a positive change in society,” news agency PTI quoted her as saying.”Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everyone’s business, not just us women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity,” she told PTI.

Before joining the Indian Army in 2017, Major Sen graduated as a biotech engineer and was pursuing her Master’s degree at IIT Bombay.

During her service in North Kivu amid escalating conflict, her troops actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls. She earned their trust through humility, compassion, and dedication, ensuring the safety of all trapped in the conflict, including children and women.

India ranks as the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations.