Major Swathi Shantha Kumar, an officer from Bengaluru serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has been awarded the UN Secretary-General’s Award 2025 in the gender category for her project ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’. This recognition acknowledges the collaborative efforts of a team of Indian women peacekeepers deployed in South Sudan, marking a significant achievement for the 20 women soldiers from India who participated in the mission.
Reflecting on the support received, Major Swathi Kumar highlighted the crucial guidance provided by their battalion, the Army Headquarters in Delhi, and the Indian Army while carrying out their responsibilities on the ground in South Sudan. Despite the challenges faced in the conflict-affected region, the team’s dedication and coordination were instrumental in their success.
Major Swathi Kumar’s primary responsibilities during the mission included operational planning and conducting various patrols to ensure civilian safety and peace maintenance in the region. The challenging terrain and weather conditions in South Sudan often posed obstacles, requiring innovative approaches such as river and air patrols to reach remote communities effectively.
In discussing the mission’s challenges, Major Swathi Kumar emphasized the adaptability required when serving in a new environment and interacting with diverse communities. The award-winning project ‘Equal Partners, Lasting Peace’ aimed to enhance the involvement of women soldiers and peacekeepers in operational activities and community engagement, bridging communication gaps and fostering trust between the local population and the UN mission.
