UDS Alumna Honoured By UN As 2024 Military Gender Advocate of The Year

Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme, a University for Development Studies (UDS) alumna and Military Gender Advisor for UNISFA, received the 2024 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award on May 29, 2025, in New York. Honored by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she was recognized for her work in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Abyei. Since her 2024 deployment, Syme has led health education campaigns against gender-based violence and child marriage, enhanced gender awareness among UNISFA personnel, and fostered inclusive patrols and community trust through women’s group engagement. She emphasized collective gender advocacy in peacekeeping during her acceptance speech. A graduate with a master’s in International Health from Tokyo University, Syme serves as Deputy Chief Dietician at Ghana’s 37 Military Hospital. Her award highlights UDS’s role in producing global leaders in peacekeeping.
Source: https://uds.edu.gh/news/uds-alumna-honoured-by-un-as-2024-military-gender-advocate-of-the-year