As part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force, Abyei (UNISFA), India deploys a platoon of Women Peacekeepers in Abyei on January 6, 2023.

According to an official press release, this will be India’s largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since the first-ever deployment of all women’s contingent in Liberia in 2007.

"It will also herald India’s intent of increasing significantly the number of Indian women in Peacekeeping contingents," the release further stated.

The Indian contingent will comprise two officers and 25 other ranks which will form part of an Engagement platoon and specialize in Community outreach.

According to the release, the team will be needed the most in Abyei, where a recent spike in violence has led to a flurry of difficult humanitarian issues for women and children in the combat zone. The team will provide assistance and help to these women and children leaving there.

The Prime Minister of India took to his twitter handle and expressed pride and writes, "India has a tradition of active participation in UN peacekeeping missions. He said the participation by India’s Nari Shakti is even more gladdening."

"Women Peacekeepers are highly regarded in Peacekeeping Missions throughout the world for their ability to reach out and connect with women and children in local populations, especially victims of sexual violence  in conflict zones. Indian women particularly have a rich tradition in Peacekeeping, " the release stated.

From Dr Kiran Bedi, UN’s first Police Adviser, Major Suman Gawani to Ms Shakti Devi, they all have made a mark for themselves in UN Peacekeeping. 

"Our teams in the Congo and South Sudan have also done sterling work in mainstreaming women and children into Community and Social developmental projects at the grassroots level," it further added.

Source- Permanent Mission of India to the UN.