“Women Are Essential Actors in Peace” — Defense Minister Hails Indian Police Unit

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — National Defense Minister Brigadier General Geraldine Janet George (Ret.) says the deployment of India’s all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Liberia demonstrated that women are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security, but critical actors in creating, sustaining and protecting peace.

Minister George made the statement Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Cape Hotel in Monrovia, where she served as Chief Launcher of a report documenting the legacy and contributions of the Indian all-women FPU, which served alongside the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2007 to 2016.

The Defense Minister said the unit’s deployment was particularly important because Liberia was emerging from a devastating civil conflict and working to rebuild its institutions, restore public confidence and strengthen the security sector.

She said the Indian police officers provided an example of discipline, professionalism and meaningful female participation in peace and security operations during a critical period in Liberia’s recovery.

“Their contribution also carried a powerful message to Liberian women and girls: women are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security; they are essential actors in creating, sustaining, and protecting peace,” Minister George said.

According to her, the legacy of the Indian FPU extends beyond the years the unit spent in Liberia, forming part of the country’s broader efforts to develop inclusive security institutions and strengthen partnerships for peace.

“As Liberia continues to strengthen its security institutions, we must preserve the lessons of our peacekeeping experience and ensure that the participation of women in the security sector remains a priority,” she said.

Minister George stressed that the experience should provide lessons for policymakers, security institutions, researchers and academics as Liberia continues to advance its women, peace and security agenda.

She described the report as an important contribution to preserving Liberia’s peacebuilding history and urged stakeholders to use its findings to inform future policies and programs.

“This report is particularly valuable because it allows us to document, study, and learn from that experience,” Minister George said.

She encouraged researchers, academics, policymakers and security institutions to examine the report and draw lessons that could strengthen future initiatives on women, peace and security.

The Minister also commended 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 praised the Ducor Institute for Social and Economic Research for undertaking the research and ensuring that the experience of the Indian FPU is preserved for present and future generations.

Minister George said the report should also help strengthen Liberia’s relationship with India and the United Nations while promoting greater recognition of women’s leadership in the security sector.

She concluded by stressing the importance of inclusive participation in sustaining peace.

“May this report inspire renewed commitment to women’s leadership in peace and security, strengthen Liberia’s partnership with India and the United Nations, and remind us that sustainable peace is best achieved when women and men work together as equal partners,” she said.