Ghanaian peacekeeper Sharon Syme and Sierra Leonean police officer Zainab Gbla have been named the 2024 recipients of the United Nations’ top military and police awards for their exceptional commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during their service with the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Syme will receive the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, while Gbla will be honored as the Woman Police Officer of the Year during a ceremony on Thursday marking the International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres will present the awards at the U.N. headquarters in New York.
As UNISFA’s Military Gender Adviser, Syme led an intensive health campaign educating local communities on the dangers of gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child marriage. She also strengthened gender awareness within the mission by organizing mixed-gender patrols to better address community needs and engaging with women’s groups to foster trust.
The U.N. praised her inclusive and culturally sensitive approach, calling it a benchmark for gender-responsive peacekeeping.
“Her dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations but also ensured the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations.
Syme also launched an education program for disadvantaged children in an area with no schools and established a girls’ mentorship initiative.
Gbla, currently UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, was inspired to join law enforcement after experiencing displacement during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
“Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the U.N.’s work to improve lives and shape futures,” Lacroix said, noting her role in post-conflict police reforms in Sierra Leone.
“This award symbolizes the tireless work of women in uniform who serve under the U.N. flag,” Gbla said. “Our collective goal remains the same: to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”
A 22-year veteran of the Sierra Leone Police, Gbla has served in operations, training, and leadership roles. Her current deployment is her third with U.N. peacekeeping, following two tours in Darfur.
Syme, a Ghana Armed Forces medical officer, holds a master’s degree in international health. This is her first peacekeeping mission.
The Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, established in 2011, recognizes outstanding contributions to peace operations and women’s empowerment, in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000).
The Military Gender Advocate Award, launched in 2016, honors personnel who advance gender equality in peacekeeping, as outlined in the same resolution.