United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced that Indian Army Major Radhika Sen will be honored with the 2023 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her commendable advocacy for women and girls during her service as a peacekeeper. The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, coinciding with the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Major Radhika Sen’s selection for this prestigious award highlights her dedication to promoting the principles outlined in the 2000 Security Council resolution, which emphasizes the protection of women and girls from conflict-related sexual violence and outlines gender-related responsibilities for the UN.
During her tenure with the Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Major Radhika Sen played a pivotal role in establishing the Community Alert Networks in North Kivu. This platform facilitated the engagement of community leaders, youth, and women to voice their security and humanitarian concerns, which were then addressed by Major Radhika Sen and her colleagues.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended Major Radhika Sen as “a true leader and role model,” acknowledging her humility, compassion, and dedication in earning the trust of conflict-affected communities, particularly women and girls, amidst escalating conflict in North Kivu.
In her response, Major Radhika Sen emphasized the collective responsibility for gender-sensitive peacekeeping, stating that “peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity.” She expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the hard work of all peacekeepers serving in the challenging environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Major Radhika Sen holds a background in biotechnology engineering and made the decision to join the Army while pursuing her master’s degree at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. Serving as the Engagement Platoon Commander with the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion in MONUSCO, she completed her tenure in April 2024.
Major Radhika Sen’s commendable efforts have not only inspired men and women alike but have also fostered a safe and inclusive environment for mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities. Through initiatives such as English language classes for children and health and vocational training for adults, she has empowered women and facilitated their active participation in advocating for their rights, particularly in local security and peace discussions.
Major Radhika Sen’s exemplary leadership and dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in peacekeeping operations underscore India’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to UN peacekeeping efforts.
