Ghana's peacekeeping efforts have once again earned international recognition as Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of the Ghana Armed Forces is named the 2024 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year.The award was presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in recognition of her outstanding contributions to gender mainstreaming within the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).Speaking at the press briefing held in Accra, The Military Gender Advocate Squadron Leader Syme, said that the initiatives to integrate gender perspectives across military operations, expanded networks of gender focal points, and implemented impactful community outreach programmes promoting women's inclusion and protection."When I arrived, I realised many leaders didn't understand my role.
Even my immediate supervisor doubted the relevance of my work but I believed in the importance of gender inclusion and remained focused." she said.She explained that gender advocacy isn't about favouring one group over another, it's about ensuring everyone-men, women, children, and persons with disabilities has a voice.Her efforts culminated in the successful commemoration of the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, involving local leaders, UN Police, and international contingents."This award is not just mine.
It's for every gender advocate working quietly behind the scenes.
It proves that even without funding, with passion and teamwork, we can make an impact," she said.The Acting Director General of the Directorate of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Capt (GN) Veronica Adzo Arhin, described the honour as a proud moment for the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation.She noted that the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, on behalf of the Military High Command, presented Squadron Leader Syme with a citation at Burma Camp to acknowledge her exemplary service."This is not just Sharon's honour.
