India to empower women peacekeepers in UN, boost gender parity and leadership

In the backdrop of India being among the largest contributor of troops for United Nations (UN) Peace Keeping Operations across the globe, the country is working towards greater participation of women in peacekeeping operations as well as advancing gender parity and fostering inclusive leadership.

“We are strengthening policies to encourage women’s participation in our Armed Forces and peacekeeping contingents, ensuring they have equal opportunities to lead and serve,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said while addressing participants of the United Nations Women Military Officers Course (UNWMOC-2025) in New Delhi.

“We will continue to work with the UN and troop-contributing countries to advance gender parity, foster inclusive leadership and create a world where peace is not just sustained but thrives through diversity and equality,” he added.

Women officers of 15 countries are participating in a two-week long UNWMOC-2025, organised by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping under the aegis of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs from August. The course aims to build up the professional capacity of women military officers for effective participation in multidimensional UN missions.

UNWMOC-2025 has brought together participants from Armenia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uruguay and Vietnam, besides 12 Indian women officers and five interns.

On the vision of UN to increase the participation of women officers in peacekeeping missions, Rajnath said that this commitment stems from the recognition that women peacekeepers are essential to making missions more effective, inclusive and sustainable.

“Women officers bring invaluable perspectives and approaches to peace operations. They are often able to foster deeper trust with local communities, particularly with women and children, whose voices are vital in rebuilding societies torn by conflict. Their presence has been shown to help prevent sexual violence, improve access to humanitarian assistance and increase gender equality on the ground. Moreover, women peacekeepers serve as powerful role models, inspiring local women and girls to see themselves as active participants in peace and security,” he said.

Remarking that India’s own journey in peacekeeping reflects this very belief in the power and potential of women officers, as the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, he said that India has been a strong supporter of women’s participation and their integration into these missions. Through initiatives such as UNWMOC, it prepares women officers for complex peacekeeping environments, the Defence Minister added.

Describing the course as a vibrant international platform for training and exchange, Rajnath termed the presence of officers from 15 countries as a reflection of a microcosm of the UN and its enduring spirit of unity and cooperation.

“You are the torchbearers of change. Your dedication strengthens not only peacekeeping but also the very fabric of global security. India stands with you — proud of your contributions and steadfast in its commitment to support your journey,” he told the officers.

The curriculum of UNWMOC-2025 includes key aspects of modern peacekeeping such as International Humanitarian Law, Refugees and Internally Displaced People, Protection of Civilians, Conduct and Discipline, Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Child Protection in conflict.

Speakers from the Indian Army, United Nations, Ministry of External Affairs and international organisations are addressing the participants. A field demonstration by an Infantry battalion nominated for a UN mission will further enhance operational and administrative understanding.