Uganda's female peacekeepers in Somalia celebrate Women's Day

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Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) female peacekeepers, serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, on Saturday, March 8, 2024, joined their counterparts to celebrate International Women's Day.

In a statement shared on Saturday, the UPDF noted that this year’s theme was “Rights, Equality, Empowerment: We Can Accelerate Action”, emphasising the need for a Somalia and an Africa where women's full participation fosters stronger peace.

UPDF female peacekeepers serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, on Saturday, March 8, 2024, joined their counterparts to celebrate International Women's Day. (Courtesy photo)

Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), Amb. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the AUSSOM force commander, Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma, highlighted the importance of gender equality, noting that women no longer accept discrimination, insecurity, and gender inequality.

He reaffirmed AUSSOM's commitment to gender equality, emphasizing that it enhances the mission's effectiveness, ensures better access to local communities, and promotes human rights and civilian protection.

"We continue to support gender equality, even in peacekeeping operations, by implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. This resolution recognizes the critical role of women as active agents of peace and security," said Lt Gen. Kavuma.

The AUSSOM police commissioner, AIGP Hillary Sao Kanu, stressed that accelerated action can only occur when women’s rights, equality, and empowerment are embraced.

UPDF female peacekeepers serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) in Somalia, on Saturday, March 8, 2024, joined their counterparts to celebrate International Women's Day. (Courtesy photo)

"The demonstrations today reaffirm what women do daily, supported by brave men in uniform who create a conducive environment for their work," she said.

Commissioner Kanu expressed appreciation for all the women in the mission area, including tank and armoured vehicle drivers and gunners.

The celebrations were attended by senior officers from AUSSOM Force Headquarters, including Sector One deputy commander Col Christopher Columbus Tumwine, Sector One administration officer Col John Mark Ssemanda, commanding officer of UNGU XI Lt Col Peter Barigye, and other AUSSOM and UNGU XI personnel.