Major Radhika Sen of the Indian Army receives prestigious 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

Major Radhika Sen of the Indian Army on Thursday (May 30) was honoured with the '2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award' by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Major Sen received the prestigious award as the world body has recognised her outstanding contributions to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

She served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

According to a UN press release, Major Sen served in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from March 2023 to April 2024 as the Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB).

She was born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993 and joined the Indian Army eight years ago. She graduated as a biotech engineer anddecided to join the armed forces when she was pursuing her Master's degree from IIT Bombay.

In March 2023, she was deployed to MONUSCO as the Engagement Platoon Commander with the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion and completed her tenure in April 2024.

While speaking to the news agency PTI, Major Sen said that it is a "matter of honour and privilege" for her to represent India at the multilateral forum.

"Representing the country at such an international forum is a feeling beyond description,” she told the news agency.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj also congratulated her. Taking to Xshe wrote, "Her dedication and bravery highlight the invaluable role of #women peacekeepers in building a better world. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and inspired by her commitment to peace and equality."

Guterres hailed Major Sen as a "true leader and role model".

"Her service was a true credit to the United Nations as a whole," Guterres said, further adding that Major Sen has earned their trust with humility, compassion and dedication.

He further stated that her troops actively engaged with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls, in the escalating tense environment in North Kivu.

(With inputs from agencies)