Ghana’s Sharon Syme and Sierra Leone’s Zainab Gbla Honoured at United Nations Peacekeeping Awards
Written By Maxine Ansah
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Two exceptional African women, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, were recognised at the United Nations headquarters in New York for their remarkable contributions to peacekeeping. The awards were presented during a moving ceremony commemorating the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on 29 May 2025.
The ceremony, led by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, paid tribute to the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have died in the line of duty since the first UN peacekeeping mission was established 77 years ago. A moment of silence was observed in their honour, and the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was awarded posthumously to 58 peacekeepers who lost their lives, including one from 1973.
In his address, the Secretary-General described peace as the cornerstone of the United Nations, highlighting the critical role peacekeepers play in rebuilding communities, supporting transitions from war to peace and protecting vulnerable populations in conflict zones. He acknowledged the rising complexities peacekeepers face today, including terrorism, cross-border crime and disinformation, and reiterated the need to adapt UN peace operations to contemporary challenges.
A significant part of the ceremony was dedicated to recognising the contributions of women in peacekeeping, a key theme since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000. Guterres emphasised the ongoing struggle for gender parity and inclusion, stating:
“A quarter of a century on, it is a miserable truth that women are still routinely excluded and marginalised in peace processes.”
This year, the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme for her outstanding work in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). As a Military Gender Adviser, she led community outreach initiatives that integrated gender perspectives into operational planning and execution. Her leadership in raising awareness about gender-based violence and child marriage through health campaigns has had a lasting impact on the local population.
Guterres praised Syme’s efforts, saying:
“Her outreach has built strong community links and brought a gender perspective into the field. Her work helped us to better understand the concerns of women and girls, and to craft possible solutions, together.”
Equally lauded was Superintendent Zainab Gbla, recipient of the United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award. Also serving in UNISFA, Gbla held a dual role as gender officer and police trainer. She spearheaded several initiatives to improve education and economic opportunities in Abyei, including launching a school programme for children in a community that previously lacked educational facilities. She also established a mentorship programme for girls and introduced income-generating projects to empower local women.
“She initiated projects to provide women with sustainable incomes, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school,” Guterres noted. “As a police trainer, she taught a diverse range of subjects vital to establishing the rule of law.”
The Secretary-General commended both women for strengthening trust between the UN mission and the Abyei community, stating that their efforts exemplify the very best of UN peacekeeping.
The event also followed the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting in Berlin, where over 130 countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. The Secretary-General expressed gratitude to UN Member States and reiterated the importance of supporting peacekeepers in the face of mounting global challenges.
“Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world. Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice today and every day,” Guterres concluded.
This year’s recognition of African women leaders in peacekeeping underlines the vital role women play in conflict resolution and community resilience, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to inclusivity, representation and transformative change in peace operations.
