In a proud moment for India, Major Swati Shanta Kumar of the Indian Army has been honored with the UN Secretary General’s Award 2025 for her outstanding contributions to peacekeeping in South Sudan. Leading an all-women team in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Major Swati’s project ‘Equal Partners, Sustainable Peace’ has set a new benchmark in gender-inclusive operations.
Deployed as Engagement Platoon Commander, Major Swati commanded a 20-member female squad—the first of its kind in the mission. Operating in one of the world’s most volatile regions, her team bridged critical gaps between local communities and UN forces. They pioneered gender-inclusive patrolling, ensuring women peacekeepers played pivotal roles in every operation, from river patrols to aerial reconnaissance.
South Sudan’s terrain poses unique challenges: impassable roads during monsoons force reliance on boats and helicopters to reach remote villages. Major Swati’s innovative approaches not only secured operational success but also fostered trust among locals, many of whom had never interacted with female soldiers before.
Speaking exclusively, Major Swati emphasized teamwork: ‘This award belongs to my entire squad, our battalion, Army Headquarters, and the Indian Army’s unwavering guidance from Delhi. We were the first all-women Indian contingent in UNMISS, and every step was supported strategically.’
Her project addressed a key observation upon arrival: a subtle disconnect between communities and the mission. Through targeted engagements, patrols, and community outreach, they built lasting rapport. ‘Our training back home focused on gender inclusion,’ she noted. ‘In the field, representing India meant embodying resilience and empathy.’
This accolade underscores India’s growing role in global peacekeeping. Major Swati’s leadership exemplifies how inclusive strategies can sustain peace in conflict zones, inspiring future missions worldwide.