Dedicated peacekeeper Captain Cecilia Erzuah from Ghana receives the prestigious 2022 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Her outstanding contributions to promoting peace and advocating for women’s rights in the disputed Sudan-South Sudan border region of Abyei have gained well-deserved recognition.
At just 32 years old, Captain Erzuah has been serving as the commander of the Ghana engagement platoon in Abyei since March 2022. Her unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality and empowering women has led to her well-deserved recognition.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will personally present her with this prestigious honour during a special ceremony commemorating the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
Established in 2016, this distinguished award celebrates the unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions of individual military peacekeepers in upholding the UN principles of women, peace, and security.
Mr. Guterres admirably praised Captain Erzuah, emphasizing that her work sets the standard for addressing the needs and concerns of women throughout peacekeeping operations.
His words highlight the profound impact of Captain Erzuah’s initiatives in advancing the cause of gender equality and amplifying the voices of women affected by conflict.
Captain Erzuah’s remarkable achievement marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first Ghanaian peacekeeper within the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) to receive this prestigious accolade.
Her success not only brings honor to herself but also shines a positive light on Ghana, which currently holds the distinction of being the largest contributor of women military peacekeepers to the United Nations, with a remarkable deployment of 375 brave individuals.
The recognition bestowed upon Captain Cecilia Erzuah serves as an inspiration to peacekeepers worldwide and reinforces the importance of championing women’s rights and ensuring their active participation in peacebuilding endeavors. Her extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment to fostering peace and empowering women exemplify the true spirit of UN peacekeeping operations.