At the UNSC 2025 Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security, Parvathaneni Harish highlighted India Women Peace Security UNSC leadership, showcasing India’s pioneering role in deploying women peacekeepers and shaping global peace initiatives.
India Women Peace Security UNSC Leadership in Peacekeeping
India has consistently led in integrating women into peacekeeping operations:
- 1960s: Deployed women medical officers to Congo, one of the earliest examples of female peacekeepers.
- 2003: Dr. Kiran Bedi appointed first female Police Advisor and head of UN Police Division.
- 2007: First-ever all-female formed police unit deployed to Liberia, reducing crime and inspiring local women to join law enforcement.
- Present: Over 160 Indian women serve in UN missions in conflict zones like Democratic Republic of Congo, Abyei, and South Sudan.
Recognitions and Awards in India Women Peace Security UNSC Context
Indian women peacekeepers have earned international accolades for excellence in operations:
- Major Suman Gawani – UN Military Gender Advocate Award 2019 (South Sudan).
- Major Radhika Sen – UN Military Gender Advocate Award 2024 (Democratic Republic of Congo).
These awards underscore India’s unwavering commitment to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda.
India Women Peace Security UNSC Capacity Building Initiatives
India goes beyond deployment, investing in training and capacity building:
- Center for UN Peacekeeping (New Delhi): Trains over 12,000 troops annually.
- Special Courses for Female Officers: 72 women from 39 countries trained in 2016.
- Global Conferences: Hosted the International Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South (Feb 2025) and UN Women Military Officers Course (Aug 2025), empowering women peacekeepers worldwide.
These programs equip women with skills in operational planning, civilian protection, gender-sensitive leadership, and prevention of sexual exploitation.
Addressing Challenges and Countering Propaganda
Harish’s speech also addressed Pakistan’s recurring propaganda, particularly on Jammu and Kashmir. He referenced Operation Searchlight (1971) and atrocities against women, reinforcing India’s unblemished WPS record.
“It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping; it is whether peacekeeping can do without women.”
India Women Peace Security UNSC Inspiring Global Change
Indian women peacekeepers inspire communities, address gender-based violence, and ensure peace processes include diverse perspectives. India’s leadership highlights that sustainable peace cannot succeed without the full participation of women.
Conclusion – India Women Peace Security UNSC Leadership
The UNSC 2025 debate reaffirmed India’s role in global peacekeeping and Women, Peace, and Security leadership. Through historical contributions, ongoing training, and international collaboration, India continues to lead by example, especially among Global South nations, in empowering women for peace and security worldwide.
Sources: The Indian Panorama, DD News, X
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