Indian Army officer Major Swathi Shantha Kumar has been conferred the prestigious UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 for her impactful project titled ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’, recognising her contribution to gender-inclusive peacekeeping during her deployment in South Sudan.
Major Swathi was deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan as the Engagement Platoon Commander, leading a team of 20 women soldiers since August 2024. Notably, this marked the first time a woman peacekeeper or an all-women contingent had been deployed in the UN Mission in South Sudan.
Speaking about the mission, she highlighted the importance of integrating women soldiers into operational roles alongside their male counterparts. “We always conducted gender-inclusive patrols and ensured that women peacekeepers actively participated in all operations and activities,” she said. The initiative proved crucial in fostering trust and communication with local communities.
Initially, women and children in conflict-affected areas hesitated to engage with peacekeepers. However, sustained outreach efforts helped build confidence. The team organised awareness campaigns against conflict-related sexual violence and distributed protection contact cards to provide emergency support and improve accessibility to UN assistance.
Through regular interaction and focused patrolling in sensitive areas, the presence of women peacekeepers enhanced community confidence and mobility. The project underscored the equal importance of women and men in peacekeeping operations and demonstrated how inclusive engagement can strengthen long-term peace and stability.
Major Swathi’s recognition at the global level reflects the Indian Army’s growing contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and highlights India’s commitment to promoting gender equality in international security operations.
