Major Sania Safdar, a distinguished officer from the Pakistan Army, has earned a significant milestone in her career and for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Serving as the Mission’s Force Signal Officer, she became the first peacekeeper from the Cyprus mission to receive the 2023 “Certificate of Recognition” for advocating gender equality. This prestigious accolade was awarded by the United Nations Department for Peace Operations and was presented by Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus.
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Reflecting on this honor, Major Safdar expressed her deep appreciation, stating, “Receiving this certificate as the first peacekeeper from UNFICYP is deeply meaningful to me and significant for our mission in Cyprus. It serves as a testament to our commitment to gender equality.”
UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award
The “Certificate of Recognition” is closely associated with the UN’s “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award,” which was established in 2016. This award honors the dedication and efforts of military peacekeepers who have actively promoted the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). The resolution emphasizes the importance of women’s participation in peace and security efforts and calls for increased measures to protect women and girls in conflict zones.
While the primary “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” recognizes an individual peacekeeper, the Certificate of Recognition extends appreciation to military personnel from various UN missions who contribute significantly to advancing the WPS agenda. Major Safdar’s recognition highlights her contributions in integrating gender equality into the core activities of the military component in Cyprus.
Pioneering Gender Equality Initiatives
Since her deployment to Cyprus last year, Major Safdar has proactively undertaken several initiatives that emphasize the integration of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda within the mission. Her role as the Mission’s Force Signal Officer involves overseeing communication systems, but she has also been a driving force in promoting gender equality within the military ranks. By focusing on enhancing the representation of women in military operations, Major Safdar has helped to ensure that the mission’s work is not only operationally effective but also inclusive.
One of her key contributions has been her involvement in strengthening the effectiveness of joint patrols by incorporating advanced communication tools. This effort not only improved the operational capabilities of the military but also emphasized the importance of gender representation in these critical activities. Her leadership in these areas exemplifies how the participation of women in peacekeeping missions can bring diverse perspectives and skills that contribute to more comprehensive and sustainable peace efforts.
Pakistan’s Legacy in UN Peacekeeping
Major Safdar’s recognition is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Pakistan, which has a long-standing history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. Since 1960, Pakistan has sent over 200,000 men and women to serve in 46 UN missions across the globe. The country currently has over 4,000 troops deployed in various international operations, and it has paid a heavy price, losing 172 soldiers in the line of duty.
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The acknowledgment of Major Safdar’s efforts by the UN highlights the vital role that Pakistan continues to play in global peace and security. Her achievement is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of Pakistani peacekeepers who serve in some of the most challenging environments around the world.