Major Abhilasha Barak has been honoured with the prestigious 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her exceptional contribution towards gender advocacy, community outreach and peacekeeping initiatives during her service with the United Nations mission in Lebanon.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations through a post on X, where it praised Major Barak’s efforts in promoting gender sensitisation and empowering women and adolescent girls in conflict-affected areas.
Recognition for Outreach and Peacekeeping Efforts
According to the Indian mission to the UN, Major Abhilasha Barak is currently serving with the Indian Battalion as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
She has been recognised for her extensive outreach and community engagement programmes focused on women and adolescent girls, along with her efforts to provide gender sensitisation training to peacekeepers serving under the United Nations framework.
The mission also highlighted that Major Barak is the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army, marking another milestone in her distinguished military career.
Third Indian Recipient of Prestigious UN Honour
With this achievement, Major Abhilasha Barak has become the third Indian recipient of the prestigious UN award.
Earlier, Major Suman Gawani received the honour in 2019, followed by Major Radhika Sen in 2024.
The recognition once again highlights India’s growing contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations and gender-inclusive initiatives across conflict regions.
Indian Embassy in Beirut Extends Congratulations
The Embassy of India in Beirut also congratulated Major Barak on the achievement through a social media post.
The embassy stated that she served with distinction as the Female Engagement Team Commander of INDBATT-XXVI and lauded her dedication towards strengthening community relations and promoting gender equality during her peacekeeping mission.
About the UN Military Gender Advocate Award
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award has been presented annually since 2016 to a military peacekeeper—male or female—who demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment towards advancing the principles of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The landmark resolution calls for integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions while ensuring greater participation of women in peace and political processes.
The resolution also emphasises the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence and encourages the increased role and contribution of women in United Nations operations, including uniformed women peacekeepers.
The recognition of Major Abhilasha Barak is being seen as a significant moment for India’s defence forces and for women serving in international peacekeeping missions.
