Abyei, 22 June 2023 – UNISFA UNPOL Women Network (UUWN) has been inaugurated at the mission’s Headquarters in Abyei. The Network, according to the Ag. Head of Mission/Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, is aligned to contribute to the UNISFA mandate and to raise the capacity of women peacekeepers in policing, noting that the women in uniform play a significant role in the implementation of the rule of law and protection of civilians, further stressing that their dedication, hard work, and efforts inspire the young generation as they serve as role models and mentors.
General Sawyerr implored the 20 female UNPOL members to continue to inspire and learn from each other as well as share best practices to continue implementing the UNISFA mandate. “You must cultivate good communication, teamwork respect for diversity and cooperation in order to sustain the Network”, he said. The Ag HoM/FC further urged them to strategically work together to strengthen, promote and raise the capacity of women in UN mission and represent the interest of policewomen in the mission and globally.
He urged The Police Commissioner, Ms. Violet Nasambu Lusala and members of the Network to partner with other Women Networks in other missions to build a stronger UNISFA UNPOL Women Network. “I look forward to the Network collaborating with other women mechanisms such as the Female Engagement Team to collectively work in synergy and harmony on cross cutting issues within the UN system to promote the Women, Peace and security agenda”, General Sawyerr said, assuring that they would achieve equality and equity in gender related issues when they are united. He congratulated the UNISFA UNPOL Commissioner Ms Violet Nasambu Lusala for her innovative and pragmatic leadership qualities manifested in the establishment of the UNISFA UNPOL Women Network in Abyei.
The UNPOL Commissioner, Ms. Violet Nasambu Lusala, averred that the Network would create space for UNISFA UNPOL women to share their experiences and raise awareness about the experience of gender mainstreaming in peace operation. She urged Network members to be conscious of UNISFA mandate to stay in line with the expectations in terms of the Rule of Law, community policing and the protection of civilians. She urged them to employ integrated approach and synergy by pulling together resources, coordination with the other mission components, host community and the AFPs within the box to achieve the Network’s objectives.
Contact: Daniel Adekera PhD: Spokesperson. adekera@un.org; dadekera@gmail.com. Tel: +249912165639 (Sudan); +256778361577 (Roaming); +2348185893339 (Nigeria); +3908311808373. (Via Brindisi). Dect: 176-3373, 3973
Antonett Miday. Public Information Officer. miday@un.org. Tel +249912535731. Dect: 176-3321,4806
Lt. Col. Javed Khan: SSO Public Information, Unisfa-fhq-adv-pio1@un.org: +919034411499. Dect: 176-3214