Major Radhika Sen Receives Prestigious Award
Major Radhika Sen of the Indian Army was honored with the ‘2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for her outstanding contributions to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Service with the United Nations
Major Sen served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the Commander of MONUSCO’s Engagement Platoon for the Indian Rapid Deployment Battalion (INDRDB) from March 2023 to April 2024.
Background and Achievements
Major Sen, born in Himachal Pradesh in 1993, joined the Indian Army eight years ago after graduating as a biotech engineer. She decided to join the armed forces while pursuing her Master’s degree from IIT Bombay. Her dedication and bravery have highlighted the invaluable role of women peacekeepers in building a better world.
Recognition and Praise
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Major Sen as a “true leader and role model,” emphasizing her humility, compassion, and dedication. He commended her troops for actively engaging with conflict-affected communities, including women and girls, in the tense environment of North Kivu.
Congratulations and Support
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj congratulated Major Sen, expressing pride in her achievements and inspiration from her commitment to peace and equality.
