Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme has received a top UN Military Award
A Ghanaian peacekeeper, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme, has been honoured with the 2024 ‘United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’ for her exceptional dedication to promoting gender equality in peacekeeping operations.
The announcement was made on the official X page of the United Nations, highlighting her remarkable work during her deployment with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sudan.
She received the prestigious award at a ceremony held on May 29, 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was established in 2016.
It is presented annually to military peacekeepers, who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The award recognises efforts that promote the inclusion of women in peace and security efforts and calls for measures to prevent gender-based violence in conflict.
Since her deployment in March 2024, Squadron Leader Syme has spearheaded numerous initiatives focused on gender inclusion, including impactful health outreach programmes and comprehensive gender sensitisation training for military personnel.
The UN disclosed that her efforts reached over 1,500 troops across Abyei’s northern, central, and southern sectors.
She conducted face-to-face training sessions, collaborated with commanding officers, and worked in close partnership with both civilian and police gender officers to advance the UN’s Women, Peace and Security agenda.
One of her standout campaigns focused on health awareness, addressing harmful traditional practices such as early child marriage, an issue that affects many communities in conflict zones.
Here is a brief profile of Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme
She is a graduate of the Ghana Military Academy and also holds a master’s degree in international health from Tokyo University in Japan.
Sharon Mwinsote Syme currently works as the Deputy Chief Dietician at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
She is also a member of the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Corps.
See the post below:
Meet Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana.
She is the recipient of the 2024 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding commitment to promoting gender equality with @UNPeacekeeping.https://t.co/VOcqc09KHS via @africarenewal pic.twitter.com/2CXONRjWdj
— United Nations (@UN) May 31, 2025
JKB/EB
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