Women Peacekeepers Conference in New Delhi
The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence, is hosting a significant two-day conference titled ‘Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South’. This event is taking place at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on February 24-25, 2025. The conference aims to bring together women peacekeepers from 35 nations to discuss their evolving roles in peacekeeping operations. It also seeks to explore strategies to enhance their participation in these critical missions. This initiative underscores the importance of women’s contributions to global peace and security.
Objectives of the Conference
The primary goal of the conference is to strengthen the role of women in United Nations peacekeeping efforts. By fostering dialogue and sharing experiences, the event aims to improve collaboration among nations in the Global South. The conference will provide a platform for participants to discuss challenges and opportunities related to women’s involvement in peacekeeping. It will also highlight the importance of gender equality in these operations.
The conference will feature various sessions focusing on key issues such as sexual exploitation and abuse, the role of technology in peacekeeping, and the importance of collaboration in training and capacity building. By addressing these topics, the conference aims to create actionable strategies that can be implemented in future peacekeeping missions.
Inaugural Day Highlights
The inaugural day of the conference was marked by a visit from Smt Draupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India, who met with the participants at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Following this, Shri S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, delivered a keynote address. In his opening remarks, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, praised the exceptional service of women peacekeepers. He emphasized their role in breaking stereotypes and becoming leaders in their communities.
Lt Gen Rakesh Kapoor, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, also spoke about the challenges faced by peacekeepers due to evolving international humanitarian laws. He acknowledged that women peacekeepers serve as role models, inspiring women in host nations to contribute to societal upliftment. These remarks set a positive tone for the discussions that followed.
Key Sessions and Discussions
The conference features several sessions that delve into critical topics affecting women peacekeepers. One notable session focused on Addressing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. Moderated by Mr. Christian Saunders, UN Special Coordinator, this session included contributions from Maj Radhika Sen, Maj Hind Jirari from Morocco, and Col Simone PC Antunes from Brazil. Participants discussed mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual exploitation in peacekeeping environments. They explored best practices and accountability measures, emphasizing the need for a culture of zero tolerance for misconduct.
Another important session, Technology in Peacekeeping: Can We Do Better?, was moderated by Ms. Debjani Ghosh, a Distinguished Fellow at Niti Aayog. This session examined how technological advancements, such as surveillance drones and AI-powered data analysis, can enhance peacekeeping operations. Experts discussed the challenges of integrating technology into missions and how nations in the Global South can leverage these tools to improve security efforts.
The final day of the conference will feature additional sessions, including discussions on the role of women peacekeepers and opportunities for collaboration in training and capacity building. These sessions aim to reinforce the importance of women’s contributions to peacekeeping and promote regional cooperation.
The conference reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting inclusive and effective peacekeeping operations. It highlights the vital role women play in global security and peace efforts. Through collaborative discussions and actionable strategies, the conference aims to enhance the understanding of women peacekeepers’ roles and increase their impact on future missions.
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