Ghana’s peacekeeping efforts have once again earned international recognition as Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of the Ghana Armed Forces is named the 2024 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year.
The award was presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in recognition of her outstanding contributions to gender mainstreaming within the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Speaking at the press briefing held in Accra, The Military Gender Advocate Squadron Leader Syme, said that the initiatives to integrate gender perspectives across military operations, expanded networks of gender focal points, and implemented impactful community outreach programmes promoting women’s inclusion and protection.
“When I arrived, I realised many leaders didn’t understand my role. Even my immediate supervisor doubted the relevance of my work but I believed in the importance of gender inclusion and remained focused.” she said.
She explained that gender advocacy isn’t about favouring one group over another, it’s about ensuring everyone-men, women, children, and persons with disabilities has a voice.
Her efforts culminated in the successful commemoration of the 24th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, involving local leaders, UN Police, and international contingents.
“This award is not just mine. It’s for every gender advocate working quietly behind the scenes. It proves that even without funding, with passion and teamwork, we can make an impact,” she said.
The Acting Director General of the Directorate of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Capt (GN) Veronica Adzo Arhin, described the honour as a proud moment for the Ghana Armed Forces and the nation.
She noted that the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, on behalf of the Military High Command, presented Squadron Leader Syme with a citation at Burma Camp to acknowledge her exemplary service.
“This is not just Sharon’s honour. It reflects the Ghana Armed Forces’ broader vision and dedication to ensuring that inclusion and diversity remain key pillars of leadership and conflict resolution,” Captain Arhin stated.
She further highlighted the importance of recognising such achievements locally, stating that celebrating our gender advocates here at home is as important as international recognition, especially as it inspires future generations of women to see themselves as capable leaders.
“Sharon’s recognition is a beacon of progress and possibility. She has made us proud, and her success will continue to inspire transformation in the Armed Forces and across peacekeeping missions globally,” she said.
The UN Women’s Senior Gender Specialist, Ms Afua Ansre, who described Squadron Leader Syme’s recognition as a strong symbol of inclusive peacekeeping.
She reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in peace and security, highlighting the alignment between Syme’s work and the broader objectives of the UN Women agenda.
Ms Ansre further commended Ghana for its continued efforts to promote gender equality, citing the recent passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equality Act, Act 1121, which seeks to ensure 50 per cent representation of women in decision-making roles by 2030.
She also acknowledged the Ghana Armed Forces’ ongoing advocacy and mentorship programmes targeting young girls across the country.
“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of Ghana’s commitment to inclusive leadership and peacebuilding.” she said.
Squadron Leader Syme’s recognition underscores Ghana’s growing leadership in global peacekeeping and its unwavering commitment to gender equality in security operations.
BY EUGENE AMPIAW