Syalu Maharana, an officer with the CRPF, was deployed to Liberia in 2009 as part of the Indian contingent for the UN Peacekeeping Mission. The all-women Fully Formed Female Police Unit focused on restoring peace in a nation recovering from civil war. Maharana’s leadership and the respect from the local population showcased the pivotal role of female peacekeepers in rebuilding society.
Syalu Maharana, now 48, combined motherhood with her duties as a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer when she received a call for her first overseas deployment in 2009. She was selected to join the Indian contingent for the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), a country recovering from severe civil war devastation that resulted in over 250,000 deaths and millions displaced.
Maharana embraced the challenge as she met the strict selection criteria of ten years of service and physical and mental fitness. The role offered her a chance to participate in international peacekeeping efforts and to help rebuild a war-torn nation, despite leaving her young child behind. She joined an all-women contingent, becoming the Chief Operations Officer of the Fully Formed Female Police Unit (FFPU).
The FFPU, the first of its kind from India, was comprised of 125 women tasked with supporting Liberia’s transition to lasting peace following the civil wars. Their mission included maintaining law and order and mentoring local police, especially under the leadership of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s first female president.
Maharana highlighted the respect and admiration held for the UN peacekeepers in Liberia, noting how the local population viewed their presence with pride. The successful integration of Indian female officers led to even requests for their protection detail by the Liberian President, enhancing their legacy.
After her significant assignment in Liberia, Maharana continued her service in various challenging roles, including an assignment in Dantewada, where she served as the only female officer, followed by stints in Kashmir and Ahmedabad. She advanced to Commanding Officer, leading one of six all-women battalions within the CRPF.
Syalu Maharana’s journey exemplifies the impactful role of female peacekeepers in post-conflict settings. Her contributions in Liberia laid foundational work for subsequent female officers, showcasing how women can lead and inspire in traditionally male-dominated fields. Maharana’s experience reflects broader themes of empowerment, resilience, and the ongoing need for international peacekeeping initiatives that prioritize gender equality.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
