Anita Asmah: UN’s first African woman force commander
4 min read
In a historic move, the United Nations has appointed Ghana’s Major General Anita Asmah as the Head of Mission and Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), making her the first African woman to hold this prestigious position. The announcement, made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on December 11, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the push for gender equality in international peacekeeping.
Major General Asmah’s appointment to lead the UNDOF, a key mission tasked with maintaining peace and stability in the Golan Heights, underscores the UN’s commitment to empowering women in leadership roles within global peacekeeping operations. The UNDOF has played a vital role in monitoring ceasefire lines and ensuring compliance with peace agreements in the Golan Heights, a region fraught with tensions. As the first African woman to take on the role, Asmah’s leadership represents a breakthrough in the traditionally male-dominated domain of peacekeeping forces.
Born and raised in Ghana, Major General Asmah has built a career defined by perseverance and remarkable achievements. She is an alumna of Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and furthered her education at the University of Ghana, where she earned degrees in Arts and Law. With a diverse academic background, Asmah is also fluent in both English and French, which has served her well in her international assignments. Her multilingual skills have enhanced her ability to communicate effectively across different cultural contexts, enabling her to excel on both national and global platforms.
Her military journey began with a strong foundation in the Ghana Armed Forces, where she gradually rose through the ranks, eventually earning the title of Major General. Throughout her career, Asmah has been recognized for her leadership, tactical expertise, and commitment to peace. She has held several significant roles, both within Ghana and on international peacekeeping missions, cementing her reputation as a competent and effective leader. Her work has had a lasting impact on peacekeeping efforts, and her appointment as the force commander for the UNDOF reflects her decades of dedication and professionalism in service to global peace.
This appointment is more than just a personal achievement for Major General Asmah; it is a symbol of progress for gender equality in peacekeeping operations. Her appointment serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, particularly those in African countries, to pursue leadership roles in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Asmah’s rise to this prominent position serves to challenge stereotypes and break down barriers, encouraging more women to step into roles of influence and power.
The appointment has drawn praise from various quarters, especially from those who advocate for more inclusivity in global leadership. Commodore Faustina Anokye, a former UN peacekeeping deputy commander, highlighted Asmah’s appointment as an important example for the entire African continent. Anokye has called for more African countries to deploy senior women to leadership positions within peacekeeping operations, urging that women should be better represented in roles that have traditionally been held by men. Asmah’s appointment, in this regard, is seen as a major step in fostering greater gender parity across international peacekeeping forces.
Ghana’s growing influence in global peacekeeping efforts has also been noted in response to Asmah’s appointment. The country has long been a committed participant in UN peacekeeping missions, and Asmah’s new role serves as a testament to Ghana’s continued leadership in the sector. The appointment reflects the country’s increasing prominence in contributing to global peace and security while also demonstrating the potential for African nations to produce high-level leaders in the field of international peacekeeping.
As Major General Asmah takes up her new role, her leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the work of the UNDOF in the Golan Heights. With her extensive experience in peacekeeping and her dedication to advancing gender equality, Asmah’s appointment is seen as a turning point that could pave the way for greater inclusivity and diversity within the UN’s peacekeeping operations.
Looking ahead, her success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of women to aspire to leadership roles in the military and peacekeeping sectors. As the first African woman to lead a UN peacekeeping mission, Major General Asmah’s appointment sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and the need for women to play central roles in shaping the future of global peace and security. This historic achievement is a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future for women in international leadership.
About The Author
