New Delhi, Indian Army officer Major Swathi Shanthakumar, who has been recognised by the UN for her work to address gender-based violence in South Sudan's Malakal, says peacekeeping is not a singular or routine act, rather it requires creativity and inclusion to make a real difference.
She had led an all-women Military Engagement Team in Malakal, for 18 months, as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
Major Swathi interacting with PTI Videos, shared her experience of being part of the peacekeeping operation in strife-torn South Sudan.
She described how her team's work under the 'Equal Partners, Lasting Peace' initiative helped build trust, create safer spaces and address critical issues faced by local women.
As trust grew, women began sharing deeper issues, including about conflict-related sexual violence affecting women, men and even children.
She reported these to the Child Protection Unit and gender cell for follow-up assistance.
To sustain safe communication, the team distributed protection contact cards with emergency numbers and created a WhatsApp group connecting village women leaders directly with peacekeepers.
Dedicated safe spaces were also facilitated for women to gather, discuss concerns and seek support, Maj Swathi said.
Major Swathi from Bengaluru, who has been serving in the Indian Army since 2018 and belongs to the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers, believes that empowering women in conflict-affected areas, directly strengthens the wider community and contributes to sustainable peace.
She recently won the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in the gender category for her contributions made during her peacekeeping deployment in South Sudan.
