Major Radhika Sen Honored with 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Major Radhika Sen |
| Award | 2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award |
| Mission | MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) |
| Role | Commander of MONUSCO's Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion |
| Deployment Period | March 2023 to April 2024 |
| Key Achievements | - Led mixed-gender engagement patrols- Facilitated English classes for children- Provided health, gender, and vocational training- Encouraged women's solidarity and organization in Kashlira village- Fostered safe spaces for men and women peacekeepers |
| UN Resolution Promoted | UN Security Council resolution 1325 (women, peace, and security) |
| India's Contribution | - Second Indian peacekeeper to receive this award (after Major Suman Gawani in 2019)- India is the eleventh largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the UN (124 currently deployed) |
| Background | - Born in Himachal Pradesh, India (1993)- Biotech engineer, pursued master's at IIT Bombay before joining the armed forces |
| Recognition | UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described her as a "true leader and role model" |