{"id":164,"date":"2026-01-12T10:39:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T05:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trunkstory.com\/?p=164"},"modified":"2026-01-12T10:39:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T05:09:19","slug":"major-swathi-shantha-kumar-indian-army-officer-wins-prestigious-un-award-for-gender-inclusive-peacekeeping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trunkstory.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/12\/major-swathi-shantha-kumar-indian-army-officer-wins-prestigious-un-award-for-gender-inclusive-peacekeeping\/","title":{"rendered":"Major Swathi Shantha Kumar: Indian Army Officer Wins Prestigious UN Award for Gender-Inclusive Peacekeeping"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Major Swathi Shantha Kumar<\/strong>, an officer of the\u00a0Indian Army<\/strong>\u00a0currently serving with the\u00a0United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)<\/strong>, has received the\u00a0United Nations Secretary-General\u2019s Award 2025<\/strong>\u00a0for her outstanding contribution to gender-inclusive peacekeeping.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award, announced by\u00a0UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres<\/strong>, recognises peacekeepers whose work demonstrates exceptional commitment to the UN\u2019s mandate of sustainable peace, inclusion, and community engagement. Major Swathi\u2019s project, titled\u00a0\u201cEqual Partners, Lasting Peace,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0stood out among nominations received from all UN peacekeeping missions and agencies worldwide.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving in UNMISS: South Sudan\u2019s Fragile Peace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

South Sudan continues to experience conflict, displacement, and instability despite ongoing peace processes. UNMISS was established by the United Nations to support peace consolidation, protect civilians, and help build sustainable governance structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian peacekeepers have been part of this mission, working alongside troops from many countries to implement mandates that include civilian protection, community engagement, and support for national institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this challenging environment, gender-inclusive approaches are increasingly recognised as essential for durable peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEqual Partners, Lasting Peace\u201d: A Gender-Inclusive Initiative<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Major Swathi\u2019s project focused on strengthening the role of women in peacekeeping operations and community engagement. Recognising that women\u2019s participation enhances access, trust, and impact, she effectively deployed and integrated the Indian Engagement Team<\/strong> \u2014 including both male and female peacekeepers \u2014 to engage communities across remote and conflict-affected counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under her leadership, the team carried out diverse operations, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n