Major Radhika Sen talks about women in the DRC conflict zone and how the UN is making a difference

Major Radhika Sen, an Indian female peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has received the prestigious 2023 Military Defender of the Year Award. gender of the United Nations.

Speaking exclusively to CNBC-TV18, Sen highlighted that women face multiple problems in the DRC, like other conflict zones. This includes, among other things, an increased risk of abuse, a predisposition to sexual violence and a lack of financial independence.

“Conditions in Congo were equally bad, where women face increased risks and abuse. They are more prone to the sexual violence that occurs. They are also not financially independent to take charge of their own lives,” Sen detailed.

She said: “Their families do not support them if a woman experiences sexual violence. There are a bit of inhibitions from his family themselves; he is asked to leave and return to his parents. There is a need for basic equipment for each of them.

She highlighted the shortage of basic amenities like education, food, clothing and sanitary napkins in the DRC conflict zone.

To help women in the DRC overcome these challenges, the peacekeeping force has made known the fundamental role of The United Nations Stabilization mission of the organization to know their problems, especially regarding security issues. Major Sen added that they also recognized their humanitarian concerns and addressed them to the concerned organization or authority to provide assistance to the women.

They have also created many skill development frameworks including baking and sewing frameworks for women. The goal of this program was financial independence so that they would not have to depend on their husbands or other family members, Sen said.

In addition, the peacekeeping force also raises awareness among the population about their rights. “Women, especially, what are their rights? What are international human rights? What is conflict-related sexual violence and what is gender-based violence? We have done a lot of training on women’s health, education, childcare and how women should support each other to continue moving forward in life,” she added.

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A biotechnology graduate who was pursuing her master’s degree at IIT Bombay before joining the Indian Army in 2017, highlighted how women in the DRC conflict zone try to find happiness in every little thing.

Speaking about the life-changing experience in the country, she said: “You see your life, our lives are very comfortable; the effort that all these women make every day to find happiness in every little thing possible, to continue living their lives with good energy and to motivate everyone around them. It was their energy that helped me and gave me the strength to work for them.

Watch the accompanying video for the full conversation