Indian Peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen Receives UN Military Gender Advocate Of The Year Honor

Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been named the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2023. The prestigious award recognizes her outstanding service and efforts to empower local communities, especially women and girls, during her tour of duty from March 2023 to April 2024.

Serving with the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO as the Commander of the Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion in eastern DRC, Major Sen played a crucial role in establishing Community Alert Networks. These networks provided a platform for community leaders, young people, and women to voice their security and humanitarian concerns, which Major Sen and her colleagues at MONUSCO then worked to address.

In a volatile environment where many people, including women and children, were fleeing conflict, Major Sen led mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities, earning the trust of the local population through her humility, compassion, and dedication. As a Platoon Commander, she fostered a safe space for men and women to operate together, quickly becoming a role model for both women and men peacekeepers.

Major Sen’s efforts extended beyond her military duties. She facilitated English classes for children and provided health, gender, and vocational training for displaced and marginalized adults. In the village of Kashlira, she encouraged women to address issues collectively, advocate for their rights, and amplify their voices within the community, particularly in local security and peace discussions.