During a ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York, First Sergeant Renita Rismayanti was honored with the highly esteemed Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.

She is the youngest person to ever receive the Award at the age of 27, making her the recipient with the shortest history of 13 years.

Working for change 

Ms. Rismayanti works as a crime database officer for MINUSCA, which is responsible for safeguarding civilians and aiding in security sector reform.

She played a key role in the conception and creation of a database that allows UN Police (UNPOL) to identify and study areas with high levels of crime and disorder.

She stated, “I am receiving this award on behalf of the many individuals dedicating themselves to creating positive change quietly.”

‘Always keep in mind your boundless capabilities.’

Ms. Rismayanti expressed her gratitude to the leadership of MINUSCA, her section chief, and her coworkers.

She expressed that their hard work and collaboration have led to significant accomplishments. Their efforts have also played a crucial role in improving the safety of marginalized groups, particularly women and girls.

Looking back on her experience as a law enforcement officer, she emphasized the significance of following your intuition and persevering in pursuit of your desired self.

She encouraged all women, no matter where they are, to remember their boundless capabilities.

“You hold the ability to make a difference, motivate others, and make a lasting impact on the world. Let us reach out to those searching for their direction, as true empowerment comes from lifting others up.”

Agent of change 

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the leader of UN Peacekeeping, praised Ms. Rismayanti for bringing great pride to both the United Nations and her home country.

He stated that her contributions are aiding the CAR security forces in developing more inclusive strategies for their operations.

“Today, we are recognizing a United Nations Police officer who, as a youthful agent of progress, has propelled the United Nations’ endeavors to utilize data and technology in order to ensure the effectiveness of our operations and the significance of the United Nations for the years to come,” he stated.

A top priority 

According to Mr. Lacroix, the UN Department of Peace Operations still places significant importance on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

He stated that ongoing endeavors are being made to increase the gender sensitivity of peacekeeping missions and to promote the complete, equitable, and significant involvement of women in both peacekeeping and peace and political procedures.

“Given the increased risk to women’s safety, UNPOL has carried out confidence-building measures and patrols in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and South Sudan. These efforts have successfully addressed barriers to women’s involvement and promoted stability in basic security,” he stated.

He praised the UN Police Division for their dedication to achieving gender balance goals, highlighting that women hold six out of 13 leadership positions as heads or deputy heads in UN police units deployed in the field.

Source: news.un.org