Africa-Press – Ghana. Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme has called on stakeholders to consolidate progress made in advancing global gender parity.
Recently named the 2024 United Nations (UN) Military Gender Advocate of the Year, she reaffirmed her commitment to raising awareness on gender issues and ensuring the concerns of both men and women are equally addressed.
“Gender is not only about women; it’s about everybody who will need assistance… men also have needs so they should be equally assisted just like women [where there are conflict],” she stated.
Engaging with journalists in Accra on Thursday, Sqn. Ldr. Syme encouraged female professionals to strive for excellence across all fields and be fully prepared when duty called.
A registered dietician and officer of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Sqn. Ldr. Syme was honoured by the UN for her “outstanding commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in one of Africa’s most fragile regions.”
She was selected from among 17 nominees—six male and eleven female—for the prestigious award.
During her deployment as Military Gender Adviser with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), she led numerous initiatives including gender sensitisation training and community health campaigns.
Reflecting on the award, Sqn. Ldr. Syme expressed gratitude and spoke on the importance of women’s roles in peacekeeping.
She also advised women interested in joining the military to be prepared for its demands.
“It is important that women take the center stage in the military because we serve as role models… During peacekeeping missions, we need women to reach out to fellow women, and it makes the peace process and negotiations easier.
“If you [women] are joining the military, bear in mind that your life would change but that should not discourage you,” she remarked.
Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of Public Relations, GAF, described the award as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to gender equality in peacekeeping.
“Through this recognition, we celebrate not only the individual’s accomplishment of Sharon, but also the systematic strides towards a more equitable and just peacekeeping environment.
“As we celebrate Sharon today, let us remember that peace cannot be achieved or sustained where voices are silenced and perspectives excluded,” she said.
Commending Sqn. Ldr. Syme, Captain Arhin stressed the importance of recognising advocates who understood the “unique needs and strengths” of conflict-affected communities.
“This gesture is an indication that recognition of gender advocates should not only come from abroad, but could be celebrated proudly at home as well…
“The Ghana Armed Forces, through her brave officers, has shown that it leads with empathy, vision, and inclusiveness,” she added.
Sqn. Ldr. Syme was earlier honoured with a citation from the Military High Command and the Minister of Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, on Wednesday.
Ms. Afua Ansre, UN Women Senior Gender Specialist, welcomed the recognition, saying it would inspire more women to pursue leadership in the security sector.
“Squadron Leader Syme’s recognition is also a moment for us to renew our efforts to break down barriers facing women in the security sector and promote their sustained leadership,” she said.
Calling for increased female representation in leadership roles, Ms. Ansre reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls “benefit from peace and security efforts.”
“True progress in peace and security can only be achieved when women’s voices, experiences and expertise are fully represented and valued,” she added.
UNISFA was established by the UN Security Council in 2011 to monitor the Sudan–South Sudan border, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and protect civilians in the Abyei Area.
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