Women peacekeepers key to breaking silence on sexual violence in conflict areas: Major Swathi Shanthakumar

Parwinder SandhuNew Delhi, March 7 -- In conflict-affected societies where speaking about sexual violence often remains taboo, the presence of women peacekeepers can open doors that might otherwise remain closed, says Major Swathi Shanthakumar.

During her stint with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the 31-year-old Indian Army officer from Bengaluru, was recently honoured with the UN Secretary-General's Award 2025 in the Gender Category for advancing women-led community engagement in conflict-affected regions.

Through her initiative "Equal Partners, Lasting Peace," she promoted a more gender-sensitive approach to peacekeeping while fostering stronger connections between UN peacekeepers and local communities in and around...