Why in news? India deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei on the border of Sudan and South Sudan as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force.

Highlights

• This is the first time an all-women Army contingent has been deployed in Abyei on a UN mission.
• It has 25 women soldiers from the Corps of Military Police (CMP) and the Assam Rifles
• The CMP is the only arm of the Army which was opened for recruitment of women soldiers in 2021.

What was the main reason  to deploy female engagement team?

• Women peacekeepers are highly regarded in peacekeeping missions for their ability to reach out and connect with women and children in local population, especially victims of sexual violence in conflict zones.
• Tasks given to FETs include conduct of joint patrols, dialogue with local women or girls, assistance during humanitarian crises, information gathering and perception management

Is it the first time?

• India took pride in having deployed the first-ever all-women peacekeeping contingent in Liberia in 2007 that inspired a whole generation of Liberian women to take part in the country’s security sector.