Essential to induct more women in UN Forces

 

 

 

IT IS essential to induct more women in UN peacekeeping missions as they are better equipped to address gender-based violence, build trust and promote dialogue, President Droupadi Murmu said on Monday. Addressing a group of women peacekeepers who had called on the President at Rashtrapati Bhawan, she said the presence of women in a peacekeeping mission made it more diverse and inclusive. “Women peacekeepers often have greater access to local communities and can serve as role models for women and children.

 

They are better equipped to address gender-based violence, build trust and promote dialogue,” Murmu said. The President said peacekeeping missions with a higher percentage of women personnel had been more effective in reducing violence and achieving long-lasting peace agreements. “It is, therefore, essential that we induct more women in UN peacekeeping missions,” she said.

 

The President recalled India’s proud history of contribution to UN peacekeeping, with more than 2,90,000 (2.90 lakh) peacekeepers having served in more than 50 missions. “Today, there are over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers in nine active missions, deployed in often-hostile conditions, for the cause of international peace and security,” Murmu said. “Today, there are over 154 Indian women peacekeepers deployed in six ongoing UN missions. Right from the 1960s in Congo, to policing in Liberia in 2007, our women peacekeepers have exhibited the highest traditions of professionalism and conduct,” Murmu said.