Syalu Maharana, a committed officer of the CRPF, engaged in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia in 2009, significantly contributing to the restoration of peace in a war-torn nation. The all-female police unit she led played crucial roles in security, training, and community support, earning respect and admiration from locals. She later advanced her career in various challenging posts within India, showcasing the empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Syalu Maharana, now 48, embarked on a remarkable journey in peacekeeping shortly after receiving a call for her first overseas assignment with the Indian contingent of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in 2009. At the time, she balanced her responsibilities as a mother and a dedicated officer in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The mission was critical as Liberia was recovering from a devastating civil war that claimed over 250,000 lives and displaced countless individuals.
Aspiring to meet the challenges of her new role, Maharana was selected based on her ten years of service, physical fitness, and mental resilience. As a police officer dedicated to law enforcement and national security, she recognized the significance of contributing to the international effort to restore peace in a war-torn nation, even at the cost of being separated from her young child. She bravely joined the all-women contingent, preparing herself for an eye-opening journey.
Reflecting on her year-long tenure as the Chief Operations Officer of the Fully Formed Female Police Unit (FFPU), Maharana described the experience as both enlightening and culturally diverse. The all-women unit comprised 125 officers operating in Monrovia, where they were instrumental in supporting Liberia’s political transition towards lasting peace. Under the leadership of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa, the country started to rebuild after the civil war.
Maharana and her team held key responsibilities including maintaining law and order, conducting street patrols, and training local police forces. The UN peacekeepers, wearing their iconic blue helmets, garnered immense respect from the local populace; Maharana expressed pride in representing India and uplifting communities affected by violence. Notably, even the President of Liberia recognized their contributions, seeking their support for her personal security.
After her impactful service in Liberia, Maharana continued her career, serving in challenging locations such as Dantewada, Kashmir, and Ahmedabad, where she stood out as the only female officer in male-dominated contingents. Her leadership skills led to her promotion as Commanding Officer of one of the six all-women battalions within the CRPF.
This article featured in Outlook’s March 11, 2025, Women’s Day special issue, ‘Women at Work’, highlighting the journeys of women in traditionally male-dominated fields, showcasing their contributions and resilience within various roles.
Syalu Maharana’s experience epitomizes the vital role women play in peacekeeping efforts globally. Her remarkable journey from a police officer in India to the Chief Operations Officer in an all-women contingent in Liberia illustrates not only personal courage but also the positive impact of women in leadership roles within military and peacekeeping contexts. Maharana’s legacy continues to inspire forthcoming generations of female officers.
Original Source: www.outlookindia.com
