A Ghanaian peacekeeper serving withthe United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei(UNISFA) will receive the 2022 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, it was announced on Monday.
Captain Cecilia Erzuah, 32, who has served in Abyei since March last year, as the Commander of the Ghana Engagement Platoon,will receive the award fromSecretary-General António Guterresduring a ceremonymarking theInternational Day of UN Peacekeepersthis Thursday, said theDepartment of Peace Operationsin a press release.
Abyei is a disputed and resource-rich area between Sudan and South Sudan, which is claimed by both sides. TheSecurity Councilauthorized the deployment of a peacekeeping force there in 2011, as tensions rose ahead of South Sudan's formal declaration of independence.
UNISFA works to strengthen the capacity of police service, in support of the 2011 agreement, and facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid, the free movement of aid workers, and provides protection for civilians under threat.
'Leading the way'
Created in 2016, theMilitary Gender Advocate of the Year Awardrecognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeperin promoting the principles of the landmark UN Security CouncilResolution 1325on Women, Peace and Security.
"Resolution 1325reminds us that our women peacekeepers are not only supporting global peace and security.They are leading the way. By every measure, Captain Cecilia Erzuah of Ghana is one of those leaders," saidSecretary-General António Guterres.
"On every front, Captain Erzuah's work has set the standard for ensuring that the needs and concerns of women are reflected across our peacekeeping operations."
'An award for all of us'
Captain Erzuahexpressed her gratitude for being selected to receive theprize which she called "an award for all of us," referring to her platoon members.
An advocate for gender equality and community engagement, Capt. Erzuah made sure that her 22-strong platoon, composed equally of men and women, conducted regular patrols andoutreach to local leadersas well as women's and youth groups, to better understand and address community concerns and needs.
Together with civilian UN colleagues, she has alsohosted discussionson domestic violence, gender equality and childcare, resulting in an increase in the number of women enlisted in Community Protection Committees, which were initially male dominated.
The engagement with community members led toimproved early warning about threats of violenceagainst civilians and broader security issues.
Monthly walks
The monthly market walks she initiated with her battalion also contributed to buildingstrong and enduring relationshipsbetween traders, local residents and the UN.
In January this year, following a spike in community violence in Majbong, a village in southeast Abyei, Captain Erzuah's platoon stepped up its presence,regularly checking on the plight of displaced peoplein the volatile area and enabling the Mission to provide necessary support.
Community members, who had sought sanctuary from the fighting in the surrounding bush, gradually began returning to their homes in the village and women reported feeling much safer. "The mixed patrols are…boosting the confidence of members of the community to go about daily activities safely," said Deng Paul Mankuol, a traditional chief in Majbong.
Captain Erzuah is thefirst Ghanaian peacekeeper, and the first recipient from a contingent or a unit, to receive this prestigious award.
Ghana is currently the largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations with 375 now deployed.