Fourfold increase in Liberian-women joining police, thanks to Indian peacekeepers
As the UN mission in Liberia successfully completes its mandate, the role of an all-female contingent of peacekeepers from India is being highlighted for inspiring women in the West African nation to become police officers. They have inspired a "fourfold increase in the number of Liberian women applying to become police officers," said the mission, which has successfully completed its mandate after 15 years.
What is UNMIL?
The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was started by the UN Security Council in 2003. Dozens of countries from around the world deployed troops and police in Liberia for peacekeeping in the country. These included India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Sweden and Ireland. At a ceremony in Monrovia, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed lauded the accomplishments of the mission.
The conflict in Liberia affected 80% women and girls
The conflict in Liberia took a horrific toll in terms of gender-based violence, with estimated 80% of women and girls affected. However as soon as the UN mission was deployed, it prioritized the empowerment of women to vote, to run for office and to join the police and other rule of law institutions, a statement issued by UNMIL said.
A team of 125-strong women from India also deployed
The UNMIL lauded the role of the 125-strong women peacekeepers of the Indian Formed Police Unit deployed with the mission during 2007-2016, saying they had inspired Liberian women to join the police force. "The Indian policewomen served as role models for Liberia's women, triggering a fourfold increase in the number of Liberian women applying to become police officers," the UNMIL said.
The work done by UNMIL in Liberia
Mohammed celebrated the successful closure of the UN mission, which she said set the stage for sustained peace for years to come. "UNMIL helped to disarm more than 100,000 combatants and protected millions of civilians; helped to rebuild the police, the security services; facilitated the provision of humanitarian aid and supported the development of national capacity to promote and protect human rights," she said.
202 peacekeepers died during the mission
Mohammed also paid special tribute to the 202 peacekeepers, who lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Liberia. President George Weah said, "UN has positively impacted the lives of Liberians as well as every fabric of the Liberian Society since its arrival in 2003."
