Women peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were honoured at a ceremony in Tyr, southern Lebanon, on the occasion of the International Women's Day.

The Lebanese National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) presented the medals to 17 women peacekeepers from Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania, and Turkey. Medals also were presented to the Observer Group Lebanon and representatives of the UNIFIL civilian national and international staff unions

The ceremony at a cultural centre in Tyr was attended by UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Paolo Serra, Commission Chairperson, Lebanese First Lady Mrs. Wafaa Sleiman, Vice Chairpersons Mrs. Randa Berri and Mrs. May Mikati, ambassadors, Members of Parliament and senior military and security officials.

Major-General Serra outlined in his address UNIFIL's efforts on promoting gender equality and noted the women peacekeepers' effect on peacekeeping.

"In close collaboration with their male counterparts, UNIFIL's women peacekeepers have made a positive impact on our peacekeeping environment, both in protecting women's rights and supporting women's role in building peace," Major-General Serra said.

He said UNIFIL has spearheaded a number of activities "aimed at women's empowerment, targeting women as members of local communities as well as vulnerable and marginalized women."

The Force Commander and Mrs. Sleiman later exchanged commemorative shields.

The ceremony also included a video presentation about the "the National Campaign to Support Women in Decision-Making and Peace-Building Positions."