India Is Committed To Increasing The Number Of Women Peacemakers Because It Means More Effective Peacemaking.

India Is Committed To Increasing The Number Of Women Peacemakers Because It Means More Effective Peacemaking.

I have often said that it’s a good time to be a woman in our country. Yes, I am well aware that cases of violence against women are surging and that we are still fighting for every tiny right. But, slowly (not steadily) things are changing. Women are getting more recognition and more opportunities. For instance, on Tuesday, Vikas Swarup, who is the Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said in an event organized by the UN that India is committed to increasing the number of women peacekeepers in the United Nations. This is the need of the hour! 

Delivering the keynote address at the International Conference on Women Peace and Security, Vikas Swarup was talking on the topic, “Future of Women in Peacekeeping”. He said that India is committed to increasing the number of women peacekeepers and to meet this target within specified timelines. Vikas also said that he strongly believes that more women in peacekeeping means more effective peacekeeping. 

In his speech, Vikas Swarup said, “As we all know from experience, women suffer the most in any conflict situation. Obviously, more women in peacekeeping means more effective peacekeeping. Women peacekeepers have greater access to communities, help in the protection of the most vulnerable, and inspire other women to play a meaningful part in peace and political processes.” 

Also Read: Major Suman Gawani Is The First Indian Woman Peacekeeper To Be Awarded The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year. This Is Amazing

He also said that India is ready to engage with its partners to work towards ensuring meaningful participation of women and mainstreaming of women, peace and security considerations in order to build inclusive, peaceful and resilient societies. 

While this is all amazing to hear, we really hope that these aren’t just words. Increasing the number of women in the UN’s peacekeeping force is just what we need. But we all know that often these speeches are just that, speeches. I really hope that India does come through and increase the number of women peacekeepers. Women are better role-models and they can inspire more women to join the UN peacekeeping force. 

Speaking on India’s focus on women empowerment, the MEA Secratory said “India has been an active participant in the deliberations on issues focusing on women empowerment and gender mainstreaming at various UN bodies. During the past two decades, the normative frameworks on Women, Peace and Security have been strengthened considerably. Today, there is a greater awareness about the centrality of meaningful participation of women in the UN’s peace and security efforts including peacekeeping.” 

Vikas went on to explain the initiatives that our country has already taken to increase the number of women peacekeepers. He said, “In order to fulfil its commitments, India has already deployed a Female Engagement Team at the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of the Rapidly Deployable Battalion in MONUSCO. We have also pledged a Women Formed Police Unit (FPU) under the Peacekeeping Readiness Capability System.” 

This is the need of the hour!

https://thehauterfly.com/lifestyle/29-million-women-and-girls-are-victims-of-modern-slavery-un-report/

Mitali Shah

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