Captain Cecilia Erzua32, who has served as the commander of the Ghana Engagement Platoon in Abei since March last year, will receive the award from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mark during an event International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers this thursday, said Department of Peace Operations in a press release.
Abyei is a disputed and resource-rich area between Sudan and South Sudan, which both sides claim. security Council authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping force there in 2011, as tensions escalated prior to South Sudan’s formal declaration of independence.
UNISFA works to strengthen the capacity of the police service in support of the 2011 accord, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, the free movement of aid personnel, and the protection of civilians at risk.
‘leading the way’
Made in 2016, Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award Recognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper In promoting the principles of the historic United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 On women, peace and security.
,resolution 1325 Reminds us that our women peacekeepers are not only supporting global peace and security. they are leading, Captain Cecilia Erzuya of Ghana is one of those leaders by every measure,” said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“On every front, Captain Erzua’s work has set the standard to ensure that the needs and concerns of women are reflected in our peacekeeping operations.”
UNISFA’s Ghanaian Engagement Platoon Commander, Captain Cecilia Erzua, has been named the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year for 2022.
‘A prize for all of us’
Captain Erzua expressed his gratitude for being chosen to receive the award which he called “a prize for all of usreferring to the members of his platoon.
An advocate for gender equality and community engagement, Captain Erzua ensured that her 22-strong platoon, composed equally of men and women, conducted regular patrols and access to local leaders as well as women and youth groups to better understand and address the concerns and needs of the community.
With UN civilian partners, he has also hosted discussions on domestic violence, gender equality and child care, resulting in an increase in the number of women listed on community protection committees, which were initially male dominated.
Caused engagement with community members Better early warnings about threats of violence against civilians and wider security issues.
monthly runs
The monthly market walk he initiated with his battalion also contributed to the creation strong and lasting relationships between merchants, local residents and the United Nations.
In January this year, Captain Erzua’s platoon increased its presence in Majbong, a village in southeast Abyei, following an increase in community violence. Regularly checking the plight of the displaced To enable the mission to provide further needed assistance in the volatile region.
Community members, who had sought shelter from the fighting in the surrounding bush, gradually began to return to their homes in the village, and women reported feeling more secure. Deng Paul Mankul, a traditional chief of Majbong, said, “Mixed patrolling … is increasing the confidence of community members to safely carry out their daily activities.”
the captain is erzua Ghana’s first peace ambassadorand the first recipient from a squad or a unit to receive this prestigious award.
Ghana is the largest contributor of female military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 375 currently deployed.
