A group of participants from the Conference for Women Peacekeepers of the Global South met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. Addressing the gathering, the President underscored the critical role of women in peacekeeping missions, emphasizing their ability to foster inclusivity, build trust, and address gender-based violence.

She noted that peacekeeping missions with higher female participation have been more effective in reducing violence and securing long-term peace agreements. Stressing the need for increased representation of women in UN peacekeeping operations, the President highlighted India’s longstanding contribution, with over 2.9 lakh Indian peacekeepers having served in more than 50 missions.

At present, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in nine active UN missions, including 154 women personnel serving across six ongoing operations.

President Murmu also acknowledged the significant contributions of Indian women peacekeepers, citing their service from the 1960s in Congo to their policing roles in Liberia in 2007. She praised their professionalism and dedication in challenging environments.

The women peacekeepers are in New Delhi for a conference on ‘Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective’, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Centre for UN Peacekeeping. The event provides a platform for women officials from the Global South to discuss pressing challenges in peacekeeping and explore solutions for more effective missions.