GENDER ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Awards)

Context: Indian peacekeeper Radhika Sen conferred U.N. military gender advocate of the year award for 2023.

Gender Advocate of the Year Award

• About: It recognises individual military peacekeeper's dedication and efforts in promoting principles of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.
• Establishment: 2016.
• Aim: This award aims to acknowledge the dedication of individual military peacekeepers.
• Selection Process: The awardee is selected among candidates nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all peace operations, highlighting their exceptional contributions to gender equality and peacekeeping efforts.
• India's Contribution: India, currently the 11th largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 124 deployed, has played a significant role in promoting gender equality within peacekeeping missions.

o Earlier, Major Suman Gawani from India was a co-recipient for 2019. She had served with the UN Mission in South Sudan.

• Tradition of Contribution: India has traditionally been among the largest troop and police-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, showcasing its commitment to global peace and security.
• Significance as a Contributor: India's status as the 2nd largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping underscores its substantial contribution to international efforts in maintaining peace and stability.