UN Under Secretary General Hails Indian Women Peacekeepers

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 25 February 2025

• UN Under Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, ahead of global peacekeeping conference
• Women peacekeepers from India have shown that greater female representation improves operational outcomes.
• Their contributions help in achieving lasting peace, according to the UN peacekeeping chief.

India continues to be a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping, with its women peacekeepers proving that missions with higher female representation lead to better operational outcomes and contribute to sustainable peace, according to the UN peacekeeping chief.

UN Under Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix, will visit New Delhi this week to participate in the conference titled 'Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Experience,' organized by India on February 24-25. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Jean stated, "India continues to be a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping," adding, "Indian women peacekeepers are reshaping the very essence of peacekeeping."

Jean described attending the conference in India as a "privilege" and highlighted that it would bring together women officials from around 50 countries in the Global South to address the evolving challenges in peacekeeping and the vital role women play in promoting peace and security.

UN secretary emphasized that having more women in peacekeeping leads to greater effectiveness. "India has long been a leader in promoting women, peace, and security within peacekeeping missions both as a top contributor of troops and police, and as a pioneer in advancing gender parity, providing leadership in training and capacity building, and remaining committed to increasing women’s participation in missions," Lacroix stated in a written interview ahead of the conference.

Jean stated that the presence of Indian women peacekeepers "demonstrates that missions with greater female representation foster stronger community relationships, enhance operational effectiveness, and contribute to lasting peace."

"Looking ahead, priorities must include creating supportive environments, addressing gender barriers, ensuring the mental well-being of peacekeepers, strengthening strategic communication, and combating misinformation. Women in peacekeeping are not just about fairness it's essential for success," he added.

SG explained, "Their presence plays a vital role in the success of peacekeeping missions. By engaging with local communities, they foster essential connections with women, build trust, support early warning and protection efforts, enhance humanitarian outreach, and serve as role models for women and girls in the communities they work with."

In Abyei, Indian women peacekeepers have modified patrol routes and offered targeted assistance to marginalized groups, creating safer environments for women and children.

Their skill in navigating cultural sensitivities and building authentic relationships strengthens mission success and fosters community healing, he added. In addition to their direct contributions, Indian women peacekeepers are recognized as "pioneers" in promoting gender inclusive peacekeeping.

"Their presence in various missions demonstrates how diverse teams result in stronger, more effective operations. Their bravery and dedication inspire not only their fellow peacekeepers but also the local communities they support," said the UN peacekeeping chief.

The UN peacekeeping chief urged UN Member States to intensify their efforts in nominating women candidates for senior uniformed leadership roles, particularly in the military. At present, out of the 11 peacekeeping operations, only one is led by a female uniformed officer Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana, who was recently appointed Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).