Indian Army Officer Major Suman Gawani Honoured With UN Award

Major Suman Gawani, an Indian Army officer, who served as a woman peacekeeper with the UN Mission in South Sudan last year has been awarded the prestigious ‘United Nations Military Gender Advocate award’ for her role in addressing gender-related issues in war-ravaged nation. She received the honour from UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during an online ceremony organised out of New York. She is also the first Indian peacekeeper to win the prestigious award.

The UN secretary-general said, “Your contributions are proof that women peacekeepers are vital to peace and security everywhere.” Reacting on the honour bestowed upon her, Major Suman during the online ceremony said, “Working for peace as a military observer in South Sudan has been a life-changing experience. Serving the nation under the blue helmet and wearing my country’s flag on my uniform is a matter of pride.”

The UN Department of Peace Operations also felicitated Major Gawani for her commendable work with UNMISS.

Since 1950, the Indian Army has been participating in UN peacekeeping operations. Units and troops of the Indian Army have been part of 49 UN missions with over 1,95,000 troops having served in various parts of the world. Currently, India is ranked as the third-largest troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions.