Syalu Maharana, a CRPF officer and mother, served in Liberia’s UN Peacekeeping Mission, becoming part of the first all-women contingent. Her role involved maintaining order and empowering victims of violence, showcasing India’s pioneering efforts in female peacekeeping. Maharana’s experience illustrates the significant contributions of women in global peace efforts and her ascent to leadership within the CRPF thereafter.
Syalu Maharana, at 33 years old, balanced her responsibilities as a mother with her demanding position in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) when she received her first overseas deployment call. Selected for the Indian contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2009, she joined a mission aimed at aiding a nation recovering from civil war devastation, which resulted in over 250,000 fatalities and widespread displacement.
Maharana embraced challenges and demonstrated both physical and mental fitness, meeting the rigorous qualifications for this international opportunity. Despite the emotional turmoil of temporarily leaving her three-year-old child, she joined the all-women contingent. Reflecting on her experience as Chief Operations Officer of the Fully Formed Female Police Unit (FFPU), she stated, “It was an eye-opening experience and a big cultural shock to interact with different nationalities. We had the power to empower people who are victims of ethnic violence and armed rebellion.”
India boasts one of the largest female peacekeeping contingents within the UN and was the pioneer in deploying an FFPU in Liberia, comprising 125 women stationed in Monrovia to assist with the nation’s transition toward stability. Following the end of the civil war in 2005, Liberia saw the emergence of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa, who led the country from 2006 to 2018.
Operating amidst ongoing ethnic unrest, the all-women peacekeepers had diverse responsibilities from maintaining law and order to training local police forces. Maharana noted, “The blue helmets of the UN were respected. Liberian people were impressed with the all-women contingent. They looked at us with pride and we felt proud wearing the uniform.”
Maharana emphasized the significance of their mission, stating it was an enormous achievement when even the President of Liberia sought members of their contingent for security. After her groundbreaking service in Liberia, she continued her career in challenging positions, including Dantewada, Kashmir, and Ahmedabad, ultimately rising to the rank of Commanding Officer of one of the CRPF’s all-women battalions.
Syalu Maharana’s journey showcases her dedication to both motherhood and global peacekeeping. Her pioneering role in Liberia reflects India’s commitment to female empowerment in peace operations. By undertaking significant responsibilities, Maharana not only contributed to restoring order in Liberia but also served as a source of pride for her nation, illustrating the essential role of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
