New Delhi: Women have always played vital roles in the military, often stepping up in critical situations. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Major Swathi Shanthakumar, an Indian Army officer who received the 2025 United Nations Secretary-General’s Award for her project, “Equal Partners, Lasting Peace.”
Major Swathi earned this accolade for her work promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping and engaging local communities while serving in South Sudan. She emphasized that this award reflects the collaborative efforts of her team of 20 women peacekeepers.
The recognition is not just a feather in her cap; it highlights the essential roles women play in peacekeeping missions. Recent research shows that women peacekeepers significantly improve communication with local communities, which is crucial for building trust and ensuring safety.
Swathi, hailing from Bengaluru, has a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Currently, she serves under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), where she focuses on operational planning and community engagement.
Her project was born from her experiences in South Sudan. “We noticed a communication gap between the local people and the UN forces,” she said. In response, her team increased their community interactions through operational patrols. “Engaging with the locals helped us build trust and improve communication,” she added.
Challenges abound in South Sudan, from tough terrain to unpredictable weather. Swathi explained, “During the rainy season, roads can wash out, making travel difficult.” Adapting to these conditions, her team used river and air patrols to reach remote areas. This adaptability is crucial for peacekeeping efforts, as crises often demand quick thinking and flexibility.
Speaking of the importance of women in peacekeeping, she noted, “Empowering one woman empowers an entire family. When women gain education and economic stability, the whole community benefits.” This perspective underscores a growing trend in peacekeeping missions: the need for inclusive engagement to bolster peace and security.
Swathi also drew on the Indian Army’s guiding principle of “service before self.” She stated, “In peacekeeping, we represent our nation, and our work is grounded in serving others.” This ethos not only drives her mission but also shapes the culture of the Indian Armed Forces.
As she shares her journey, Major Swathi sends a powerful message to other women in peacekeeping: “Believe in your mission. Every community has its unique challenges, so it’s important to find innovative ways to address them.”
To hear more about her experiences and insights, look out for her upcoming podcast with the Ministry of Defence, airing on March 8, 2026.
For more insights on the impact of women in peacekeeping, visit the United Nations website to learn about their ongoing initiatives in this area.
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MAJOR SWATHI SHANTHAKUMAR, INDIAN ARMY MAJOR, PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN, INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, SERVICE BEFORE SELF: MAJOR SWATHI SHANTHAKUMAR ON HER PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN
