India empowers women officers in UN missions!
India backs more women in UN peacekeeping with new support policies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced robust policy enhancements to boost women’s participation in India’s armed forces and United Nations peacekeeping contingents, emphasizing equal opportunities for leadership and service. Speaking at an interaction with women military officers from 15 countries participating in the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025) at the Manekshaw Centre, Singh underscored India’s commitment to advancing gender parity in peacekeeping missions.
The UNWMOC-2025, organized by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs from August 18–29, aims to equip women officers for complex multidimensional UN missions. The course has drawn participants from Armenia, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay, and Vietnam, alongside 12 Indian women officers and five interns, fostering a dynamic platform for international training and collaboration.
Singh highlighted India’s role as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that women officers bring unique perspectives that enhance mission effectiveness. “They foster deeper trust with local communities, particularly women and children, and help prevent sexual violence, improve humanitarian access, and promote gender equality,” he said, describing women peacekeepers as “powerful role models” who inspire local women and girls to engage in peace and security efforts.
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The minister unveiled the UN Journal 2025 – Blue Helmet Odyssey: 75 Years of Indian Peacekeeping, a platinum jubilee edition celebrating India’s legacy and vision in UN peacekeeping. Reflecting on the symbolic blue helmets, Singh remarked, “Like the sky, UN peacekeepers offer protection and security; like the oceans, they build connections across borders and cultures.”
The UNWMOC-2025 curriculum covers critical peacekeeping aspects, including international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, conflict-related sexual violence, and child protection, with sessions led by UN experts, Indian Army veterans, and Ministry of External Affairs officials. A field demonstration by an infantry battalion nominated for UN deployment will provide practical insights.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior officers attended the event. Singh praised the participants as “torchbearers of change,” affirming India’s support for their contributions to global security. The initiative aligns with the UN’s goal to increase women’s participation in peacekeeping, recognizing their role in making missions more inclusive and sustainable.
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