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Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
In a powerful demonstration of commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership, UN Women hosted a landmark press briefing today celebrating Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme." groundbreaking achievement as the 2024 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year.
The event, held in Accra, Ghana, was more than a simple recognition ceremony. It represented a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to integrate women's perspectives into global peace and security efforts.
Afua Ansre, UN Women's Senior Gender Specialist, delivered a compelling address that highlighted the critical importance of women's participation in peacekeeping operations.
"When women lead, when women participate and shape peace operations, we send a powerful message about inclusive peace," Ansre emphasized.
Her remarks underscored the transformative potential of women's leadership in conflict resolution and international diplomacy.
The celebration comes at a crucial time for gender equality in Ghana and globally. The country recently passed the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Act (Act 1121), a landmark legislation targeting 50% women's representation in decision-making roles by 2030.
This progressive law signals Ghana's commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that have historically prevented women from accessing leadership.
Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme." recognition is particularly significant. Her work with the United Nations Interim Security Force demonstrates how integrating gender perspectives can fundamentally strengthen peacekeeping missions, improve operational outcomes, and create lasting positive impacts on communities.
UN Women's broader mission was also highlighted during the briefing. The organization actively works to build bridges between UN agencies, governments, military institutions, and civil society.
Their strategic approach includes providing technical support, developing targeted programs, and managing initiatives like the LC Initiative Fund, which specifically aims to increase meaningful participation of women in peace operations.
The global context of this achievement cannot be overstated. Inspired by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the women, peace, and security agenda challenges long-standing stereotypes and calls for comprehensive systemic change. Syme recognition serves as a beacon of hope and a practical demonstration of what inclusive leadership can achieve.
Ghana's distinguished legacy in international peacekeeping provides a robust backdrop to this celebration. The country has consistently been at the forefront of deploying peacekeepers and promoting gender-inclusive approaches in military and security sectors.
The press briefing was not just a moment of celebration but a strategic call to action. It challenged attendees and the broader international community to continue breaking down barriers, supporting women's leadership, and creating environments where talent and dedication—not gender—determine one's potential for impact.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: empowering women in peace and security is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for creating more effective, nuanced, and sustainable global peacekeeping efforts.
The story of Sharon Sote Sign is more than an individual achievement. It represents a broader narrative of progress, resilience, and the transformative power of inclusive leadership.