In a landmark moment that highlights Pakistan’s pivotal role in global peace efforts, the United Nations (UN) has recognized two Pakistani female peacekeepers, Major Sania Safdar and Major Komal Masood, for their remarkable contributions to promoting gender equality within the peacekeeping framework. Awarded the prestigious Gender Advocacy Award by the under-secretary general of the UN’s Department for Peace Operations at a ceremony in New York, these trailblazing women have demonstrated outstanding leadership, resilience, and dedication in their respective missions, becoming emblematic of Pakistan’s commitment to global peacekeeping and gender inclusivity.
Major Sania Safdar, currently serving in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus, and Major Komal Masood, who recently completed her service in the Central African Republic, have exemplified the very essence of what it means to be peacekeepers. Both officers have made a tangible difference in conflict-ridden communities, using their expertise not just to ensure security, but also to champion gender rights and inclusivity in environments often characterized by extreme violence and instability.
Major Safdar, stationed in Cyprus, has been a vocal advocate for gender equality within the peacekeeping framework. Her role has extended beyond traditional peacekeeping duties, focusing on initiatives that empower women and girls in communities impacted by years of conflict. She has worked closely with local populations to ensure that women are not only included in the peace process but are also given the tools and resources to lead in post-conflict recovery efforts. Her commitment to engaging women in conflict resolution, decision-making, and rebuilding efforts has had a lasting impact on the ground.
Major Komal Masood’s contributions in the Central African Republic—a country torn apart by civil unrest and political instability—have been equally inspiring. In one of the most dangerous UN missions, Major Masood not only fulfilled her duties in maintaining peace but also played an integral role in advocating for gender-sensitive policies within the mission. She focused on protecting the rights of women and children who are often the most vulnerable in conflict zones, implementing programs to prevent sexual violence and support victims. Her leadership has inspired both her peers and the communities she served, proving that gender advocacy is not a mere side mission but an integral component of successful peacekeeping.
Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping are both longstanding and substantial. Since its first participation in UN peacekeeping missions in 1960, Pakistan has emerged as one of the largest troop-contributing countries, consistently offering military and police personnel to conflict zones around the world. As of 2023, Pakistan has contributed over 200,000 troops to 46 UN missions across continents, from Africa to Asia. Currently, more than 10,000 Pakistani peacekeepers are deployed in various missions globally, making Pakistan one of the top contributors to peacekeeping forces.
What sets Pakistan’s contributions apart is the diversity and inclusivity of its contingent. Pakistan has been sending female peacekeepers to UN missions for decades, and the country was among the first to deploy female troops in roles traditionally held by men. Women peacekeepers like Major Safdar and Major Masood are vital to the success of these missions, particularly in countries where cultural norms make it difficult for male peacekeepers to engage with local women and children. The inclusion of women in peacekeeping allows for more comprehensive mission success, as female peacekeepers are often better positioned to address the specific needs of women in conflict zones, ranging from healthcare to protection from gender-based violence.
The UN’s Gender Advocacy Award is a testament to the growing recognition of the critical role that women play in maintaining international peace and security. It also underscores the UN’s broader objectives of integrating gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations. According to UN statistics, women make up only about 5% of military peacekeepers and 15% of police personnel in UN missions. However, studies have shown that the inclusion of women in peace processes can significantly improve the chances of long-term peace. Missions that involve female peacekeepers tend to foster better relationships with local communities, create more inclusive decision-making processes, and address gender-specific needs more effectively.
By receiving this award, Major Safdar and Major Masood have become symbols of what female leadership can achieve in global security efforts. Their work advocates for a more gender-inclusive approach to peacekeeping, aligning with UN Resolution 1325, which calls for increased participation of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconstruction. The success of women peacekeepers in Pakistan’s contingents, and the recognition they have received, reinforces the argument that peace and security are better achieved when women are fully included in all aspects of peace processes.
Pakistan’s Unwavering Commitment to Global Peace and Gender Equality
Pakistan’s dedication to UN peacekeeping operations is not only a matter of pride but also an essential component of its foreign policy. The country’s leadership has consistently underscored the importance of peace and security as global imperatives, recognizing that stability in conflict regions is crucial for broader international peace. Pakistan’s contributions to UN missions reflect a deep-rooted belief in multilateralism and collective security, and the participation of Pakistani women in peacekeeping reinforces the nation’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
As of 2023, Pakistan has deployed hundreds of female officers in various peacekeeping roles. These women have served in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Liberia, among others. Their presence has not only enhanced the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping missions but has also shattered traditional gender barriers, inspiring more women to join the ranks of peacekeepers.
Major Safdar and Major Masood’s recognition is particularly significant in this regard. Their achievements reflect a broader societal shift in Pakistan, where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in various sectors, including the military and international diplomacy. This shift is also emblematic of the country’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, both domestically and on the international stage.
Pakistan’s legacy in UN peacekeeping, particularly through the lens of female empowerment, continues to inspire and shape international discourse on peace and security. As the world confronts evolving conflicts and security challenges, the contributions of women like Major Safdar and Major Masood will remain central to building a more peaceful and equitable future for all. Their stories remind us that peacekeeping is not only about maintaining peace but also about creating spaces where equality and justice can thrive.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
