Indian peacekeeper, Major Radhika Sen is set to receive the 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She served with the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). She was the Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB). She actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls, in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu.
Major Radhika Sen hails from Himachal Pradesh and is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive this award, following Major Suman Gawani. She emphasized that gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everyone's responsibility and believes peace begins with all of us. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged her as a "true leader and role model." She completed her graduation as a biotech engineer and holds a Master's degree from IIT Bombay. She has been awarded for her leadership and dedication to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC. She believes that gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everyone's responsibility and that peace begins with embracing diversity. The award ceremony will take place on 30 May 2024.
Expressing her gratitude, Major Radhika mentions, "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 and giving their best to bring a positive change in the society. Gender-sensitive peacekeeping is everybody's business - not just us, women. Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity."
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