By Fatima Kpaka
New York, May 27, 2025 – The United Nations has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award. Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to gender advocacy in peacekeeping.
The awards will be presented by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29, 2025, at UN Headquarters in New York.
Championing Gender Equality in Military Peacekeeping
Squadron Leader Sharon Syme of Ghana has been named the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year for her exceptional efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during her tenure with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Since her deployment in 2024 as UNISFA’s Military Gender Adviser, Syme has been instrumental in integrating women’s voices and concerns into security and peacebuilding strategies. She spearheaded an intensive health campaign addressing gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices, including child marriage, while also enhancing gender awareness among UNISFA’s military personnel.
By leading patrols composed of both male and female officers, Syme ensured that diverse community needs were met. Her efforts in fostering trust and collaboration between local women’s groups and peacekeeping forces have set a new standard for gender-responsive military operations.
“Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “Her dedication has strengthened the effectiveness of UNISFA’s mission and ensured a more inclusive approach to security and stability.”
Empowering Communities Through Policing and Education
Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone has been awarded the Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative approach to community engagement in Abyei, where she has worked to strengthen relations between host communities and UN peacekeeping forces.
Recognizing the absence of functional law enforcement in the region, Gbla established new crime reporting channels, offering local residents a structured means of seeking justice and safety. She also initiated an educational program for disadvantaged children, providing learning materials and visual aids in a region that previously had no schools.
Furthering her impact, Gbla launched a mentorship program for girls and implemented sustainable economic initiatives that empowered women through agriculture and livestock trade. These efforts have enabled families to generate income and afford schooling for their children in nearby Abyei town.
Currently serving as UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, Gbla’s journey—from being displaced by conflict in Sierra Leone to becoming a leading figure in policing—has shaped her commitment to empowering women affected by violence and displacement.
“Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the transformative power of policing and peacekeeping,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix. “Her efforts in Abyei reflect the UN’s mission to improve lives and create lasting change.”
In response to the recognition, Gbla expressed gratitude, stating, “This award symbolizes the tireless work of women in uniform serving under the UN flag. Each of us faces unique challenges, yet our collective goal remains the same: to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”
As the UN continues to advance gender-inclusive peacekeeping, the contributions of Squadron Leader Syme and Chief Superintendent Gbla serve as powerful examples of leadership in action. Their achievements highlight the crucial role of women in shaping a more equitable and effective security landscape worldwide.