Gov’t Honors Legacy of All-Women Indian UNMIL Police Unit | News

Minister of National Defense Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Rtd.) has launched a report documenting the legacy and contributions of India’s all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU), which served alongside the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2007 to 2016.

The report was launched Wednesday at the Cape Hotel in Monrovia, with the defense minister serving as Chief Launcher. The initiative seeks to preserve and examine the contribution of the Indian women police contingent to Liberia’s post-war peacebuilding and security efforts.

The research was undertaken by the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research as part of efforts to document an important chapter in Liberia’s peacebuilding history and draw lessons for the country’s ongoing security-sector development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister George described the deployment of the Indian FPU as significant not only for its contribution to peace and security, but also for demonstrating the important role women can play in peacekeeping, community protection and post-conflict recovery.

She recalled that Liberia emerged from years of civil conflict with the difficult task of rebuilding state institutions, restoring public confidence and strengthening the security sector.

Against that backdrop, she said, the Indian all-women unit provided an example of professionalism, discipline and meaningful participation of women in peace and security operations.

According to Minister George, the unit’s presence also sent a powerful message to Liberian women and girls that women should not be viewed solely as beneficiaries of peace and security.

“Women are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security; they are essential actors in creating, sustaining, and protecting peace,” she said.

The Defense Minister said the experience of the Indian FPU remains relevant as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its security institutions and promote greater participation of women in the security sector.

She emphasized that the legacy of the unit extends beyond its years of service and forms part of Liberia’s broader journey toward inclusive security institutions and stronger international partnerships for peace.

Report to Inform Future Policies

Minister George encouraged researchers, academics, policymakers and security institutions to study the findings of the report and use the lessons from the Indian FPU’s deployment to inform future policies and programs on women, peace and security.

She commended the Ducor Institute for undertaking the research and creating a platform for documenting the experiences and contributions of the Indian women police officers for present and future generations.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of India, the United Nations, members of the Indian FPU, and Liberian institutions and individuals who contributed to the success of the unit’s mission.

She said Liberia must continue to preserve lessons from its peacekeeping experience and ensure that women’s participation in security and peacebuilding remains a national priority.

Minister George further expressed hope that the report would inspire renewed commitment to women’s leadership in peace and security while strengthening Liberia’s partnerships with India and the United Nations.

The launch brought together government officials, members of the Joint Security, United Nations representatives, researchers, academics, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.

The Defense Minister concluded by stressing that sustainable peace requires women and men to work together as equal partners in protecting communities and strengthening national and international peace and security.