Pakistan Army Major Sania Safdar Receives Prestigious Gender Advocacy Award as UN Peacekeeper in Cyprus 2024

Major Sania Safdar of the Pakistan Army has made history by becoming the first UN peacekeeper in Cyprus to be honored with the 2023 ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for her outstanding contributions to promoting gender equality. This prestigious award was presented to her by Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus, in recognition of her efforts to integrate gender perspectives into military operations within the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Major Safdar serves as the Mission’s Force Signal Officer, a role that involves managing communication systems and advancing gender equality within the military component of the mission. Since her deployment to Cyprus last year, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at incorporating the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda into the mission’s military framework. Her dedication to these principles has been instrumental in promoting gender representation and equality within the force, earning her this unique recognition.

In a statement following the award, Major Sania Safdar expressed her deep honor at being the first UNFICYP recipient of this recognition, highlighting the significant contributions of the Pakistan Army to global peacekeeping efforts. “This award is a testament to the Pakistan Army’s longstanding commitment to peace and equality on the international stage,” she remarked.

The “UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award,” established in 2016, honors the commitment and contributions of a military peacekeeper who has made exceptional efforts in advancing the principles outlined in the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. This resolution emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and the protection of women in conflict zones.

During her time in Cyprus, Major Safdar played a crucial role in enhancing joint military operations by integrating advanced communication tools, which not only improved operational efficiency but also contributed to greater gender inclusivity within the mission. Her work has set a benchmark for future peacekeeping missions, demonstrating the vital role of gender equality in achieving sustainable peace.

Pakistan’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions dates back to 1960, and the country has since become one of the largest contributors to these operations. With over 200,000 personnel deployed to 46 missions worldwide, Pakistan’s peacekeepers have made significant sacrifices, with 172 soldiers losing their lives in the line of duty. Currently, Pakistan provides more than 4,000 troops to various UN missions, continuing its legacy of commitment to global peace and security.

Major Sania Safdar’s achievement not only brings pride to Pakistan but also reinforces the critical role of women in peacekeeping efforts. Her recognition by the UN underscores the importance of gender advocacy in international missions and sets a precedent for other peacekeepers to follow.