As part of the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNIFSA), on January 6, India deployed a platoon of Women Peacekeepers in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan. This is India’s largest single unit of women peacekeepers in a UN Mission. India deployed its first-ever all-women contingent in Liberia in 2007.
Abyei recently went through violence, setting off a spate of humanitarian crises, especially for women and children in the conflict zone. The Indian contingent consists of two officers and 25 other ranks. They will engage in community outreach and security-related tasks. Throughout the world, women peacekeepers are held in high regard for their ability to connect with children and women in conflict zones. Having women peacekeepers on board would be a relief mainly for the victims of sexual violence.
India has a legacy in this regard. Dr Kiran Bedi, who was the UN’s first Police Adviser, Major Suman Gawani, and Shakti Devi have left their marks in the field. The move also signals India’s intent to increase the number of women in peacekeeping contingents.
