Major Radhika Sen, a dedicated Indian peacekeeper who served with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been awarded the prestigious 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Major Sen as a "true leader and role model" during the ceremony held on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, Major Sen joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She initially pursued a biotech engineering degree and was completing her Master's at IIT Bombay when she decided to join the armed forces. Major Sen was deployed to the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in March 2023, serving as the Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion until April 2024.
Guterres commended Major Sen for her exemplary service in the conflict-ridden region of North Kivu, where she led her troops in engaging with local communities, particularly women and girls, earning their trust through humility and dedication.
Reflecting on the honor, Major Sen expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the collective effort of all peacekeepers working under challenging conditions in the DRC. "This award is special to me as it recognizes the hard work put in by all the peacekeepers working in the challenging environment of DRC and giving their best to bring a positive change in society," she said. Major Sen underscored that gender-sensitive peacekeeping is a collective responsibility, stating, "Peace begins with all of us in our beautiful diversity!"
During her tenure, Major Sen led mixed-gender engagement patrols and facilitated activities in volatile areas, supporting communities fleeing conflict. She played a crucial role in establishing Community Alert Networks in North Kivu, which allowed community members to voice their security and humanitarian concerns.
As a Platoon Commander, Major Sen fostered a safe space for both men and women to operate under her command, quickly becoming a role model for her colleagues. She ensured her team engaged in ways that respected gender and socio-cultural norms, thereby building trust and increasing the mission's chances of success.
Beyond her military duties, Major Sen organized English classes for children and provided health, gender, and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults. Her initiatives inspired women's solidarity, creating safe spaces for dialogue and collective action.
In Kashlira village, near Rwindi town, Major Sen encouraged women to organize, advocate for their rights, and participate in local security and peace discussions. Her advocacy efforts significantly amplified women's voices within the community.
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, established in 2016, honors individual military peacekeepers for their efforts in promoting the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. The award recognizes those who have best integrated a gender perspective into peacekeeping activities. Candidates are nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all UN peace operations.