A distinguished alumna of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme, has been honoured by the United Nations as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

The award was presented to her by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Squadron Leader Syme, who currently serves as the Military Gender Advisor with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), was recognised for her outstanding dedication to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in conflict-affected areas.

Since its inception in 2016, the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award has been presented annually to a military peacekeeper, male or female, who demonstrates exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing gender-responsive peacekeeping in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

According to her citation, Squadron Leader Syme’s work since her deployment in 2024 has significantly impacted local communities in Abyei. Her initiatives ensured that the voices and needs of women and girls were integrated into peace and security operations. She led a robust health education campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices, including child marriage.

She also played a crucial role in strengthening the gender awareness of UNISFA’s military personnel, advocating for inclusive patrols that combined male and female officers to better respond to the varied needs of the community. Through active engagement with women’s groups, she fostered trust, collaboration, and greater cultural sensitivity.

“Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under Secretary-General for Peace Operations. “Her dedication has not only enhanced UNISFA’s operational effectiveness but has also ensured the mission better reflects and serves the communities on the ground.”

In her acceptance remarks, Squadron Leader Syme emphasized the collective responsibility of peacekeepers in promoting gender perspectives. “Applying gender perspectives into daily tasks is the responsibility of every peacekeeper,” she said. “Success comes through diversifying military representation and having gender-responsive leaders who listen to both male and female voices.”

About The Awardee

Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme is a proud graduate of the University for Development Studies. She later earned a master’s degree in International Health from Tokyo University in Japan and joined the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Corps. She currently serves as the Deputy Chief Dietician at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra. Her peacekeeping career began in March 2024 with her deployment to UNISFA as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser.

Also recognised during the ceremony was Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone, named Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative community engagement work in Abyei.

Squadron Leader Syme’s achievement adds to the growing list of global recognitions for UDS alumni and underscores the university’s contribution to producing transformational leaders in public service and peacekeeping across the world.

Story by:
Abdul-Hayi Moomen
UDS Media