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Key Points

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with UN women military officers and celebrated their crucial role in global peacekeeping. He emphasized how women officers build trust with local communities and prevent sexual violence in conflict areas. Singh highlighted India's proud history as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions. He praised these officers as powerful role models who inspire women and girls worldwide to participate in security efforts.

Key Points: Rajnath Singh Hails UN Women Military Officers as Peacekeeping Role Models

  • India is the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide
  • Women officers foster deeper trust with local communities in conflict zones
  • Their presence helps prevent sexual violence and increases gender equality
  • India's peacekeeping legacy began with women medical officers in the 1960s
2 min read

Powerful role models: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hails UN women military officers

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praises UN women peacekeepers for fostering trust, preventing violence, and serving as powerful inspirations in global security missions.

"Women peacekeepers serve as powerful role models inspiring local women and girls - Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, August 22

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met UN women officers here on Friday and hailed their role in the global peace and security architecture. He highlighted India's longstanding role in peacekeeping, which reflects the power and potential of women officers.

During the event, Defence Minister Singh said the presence of officers from countries across the globe reflects the microcosm of the United Nations and its enduring spirit of unity and cooperation.

"Like the sky, they (UN Peacekeepers) offer protection and a sense of security. Like the oceans, they build connections across borders and cultures. The blue helmet symbolises not only the authority of the United Nations but also its commitment to peace, equality, and shared humanity. It is a colour", he said.

Calling the peacekeepers a beacon of hope, Singh highlighted how the United Nations has set clear targets to increase the participation of women officers in peacekeeping missions.

He highlighted that this commitment stems from the recognition that the women peacekeepers are essential to making missions more effective and inclusive.

"Women officers bring invaluable perspectives and approaches to peace operations. They are often able to foster deeper trust with local communities, particularly with women and children whose voices are often unheard in the rebuilding of societies torn by conflict. Their presence has been shown to help prevent sexual violence, and increase gender equality on the ground. Moreover, women peacekeepers serve as powerful role models inspiring local women and girls to see themselves as active participants in peace and security", Rajnath Singh highlighted.

He brought to attention India's peacekeeping journey. India, as the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions, has been a strong supporter of women's participation and their integration into the missions. "Our legacy began in the 1960s with the women medical officers in Congo and today we continue to take concrete steps to bridge gender gaps."

https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1958796252465795229

Rajnath Singh said that initiatives like these prepare women officers for complex peacekeeping environments.

Calling them torchbearers of change, Singh hailed their dedication to not only strengthening peacekeeping but also the very fabric of global security and said that India stands with them, proud of their contributions and journey.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
India being the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions makes me proud. Our women officers have been serving since 1960s - that's a legacy we should celebrate more often!
A
Ananya R
Women peacekeepers do bring a different perspective to conflict zones. They can connect with local women and children in ways that male officers might find challenging. This is progress!
M
Michael C
While this is positive, I hope the government ensures proper safety measures and support systems for our women officers in conflict zones. Recognition is good but practical support is crucial.
K
Kavya N
This is exactly the kind of news we need more of! Young girls across India need to see women in uniform serving internationally. Representation matters so much 💪
V
Vikram M
India's contribution to global peacekeeping is something we don't talk about enough. From medical missions to combat roles, our armed forces have made us proud on the world stage.

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