Essential to induct more women in UN peacekeeping missions: Prez Murmu

President Murmu emphasised that the presence of women in peacekeeping missions enhances diversity and inclusivity. She highlighted that missions with a higher percentage of women personnel have been more effective in reducing violence and achieving lasting peace agreements. “It is essential that we induct more women into UN peacekeeping missions,” she said.

Currently, 154 Indian women peacekeepers are deployed across six active UN missions. Reflecting on India’s legacy, Murmu noted that Indian women peacekeepers have upheld the highest standards of professionalism — from their early deployments in Congo in the 1960s to policing operations in Liberia in 2007.

The women peacekeepers are in New Delhi for the Conference on Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping. The event aims to bring together women officials from the Global South to discuss contemporary challenges and strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions.