Nigerien peacekeeper, Major Aichatou Ousmane Issak presented with inaugural UN Military Gender Advocate Award for her work in integrating gender perspectives into peacekeeping activities while serving in Mali. Ousmane Issak is a 42 year old mother of three who served under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) at the rank of a captain

For the award, peacekeepers from nine peacekeeping missions were nominated and Major Aichatou Ousmane Issak stood out for her work. She was presented with an award on 7th of September by UK Minister of State, Baroness Joyce Anelay at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Making women part of patrols is deemed important because of the terrain and sensitivity of operations. Resolution 1325 seeks to stress the importance of women and provide space for women to participate as peace agents in conflict resolution and peace building.