Women Leading Peace: P. Wilson Honors India’s Trailblazers on the World Stage
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
United Nations, New York, Oct. 28 — In a powerful tribute to India’s pioneering role in global peacekeeping, the UN Peacebuilding Commission was briefed today on the transformative impact of Indian women peacekeepers in conflict-affected regions. Hailed for their courage, leadership, and compassion, these officers have not only strengthened civilian protection but also inspired women in war-torn societies to become leaders and peacebuilders themselves.
Speaking at the Commission’s Meeting on Women, Peace, and Security, MP P. Wilson of the DMK emphasized that Indian women peacekeepers “build trust in communities and give hope to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children,” while playing a critical role in addressing gender-based violence and shaping inclusive peace processes.
The session marked the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark declaration affirming the essential role of women in peace negotiations and mandating protections against violence in armed conflict. Wilson also spotlighted India’s leadership in gender-responsive training through the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi, and its hosting of the first-ever International Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South.
Opening his remarks with the Tamil greeting “Vanakkam” and closing with “Nanri – Thank you,” Wilson underscored that women-led development is reshaping societies, noting that over 1.4 million women now serve as elected representatives at India’s grassroots level.
Pioneers in UN peacekeeping deployments, these Indian women officers have set an enduring example of courage, leadership, and compassion. Their active engagement in rebuilding war-torn societies demonstrates that women can serve as powerful agents of change and peacebuilders in areas marred by violence and instability.
P. Wilson MP DMK said on Monday at the Commission’s Meeting on Women, peace, and security.
“They build trust in communities and give hope to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Most critically, they help address gender-based violence and ensure that peace processes reflect the needs and perspectives of all segments of society. They inspire women in conflict zones through example that they, too, can be leaders and peacebuilders.”
The meeting took place in observance of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 1325—a seminal instrument in the annals of international peace and security law.
This landmark resolution enshrined the principle that women’s participation in United Nations missions is imperative for effective peace negotiations, the formulation of peace agreements, and the maintenance of global security.
Importantly, it mandated the international community to institute concrete protections for women against all forms of violence in armed conflict, including sexual and gender-based abuse, thereby establishing robust legal safeguards and operational mandates for Member States and UN entities.
“The Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in New Delhi has emerged as a global centre of excellence for gender-responsive training, conducting flagship courses for women peacekeepers, equipping them with essential skills in operational planning, protection of civilians, prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and gender-sensitive leadership. Earlier this year, India hosted the first-of-its-kind of International Conference for Women Peacekeepers from the Global South.”
India had hosted the first-of-its kind international conference for women peacekeepers from the Global south.
Wilson further said that women-led development has transformed society, and more than 1.4 million women are elected representatives at the grassroot level.
Wilson began his speech with the Tamil greeting “Vanakkam” and concluded it with “Nanri – Thank you.”
