Indian Army Officer Major Abhilasha Barak Wins Prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak who was serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has been named as the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.  This award recognized her exceptional efforts in the community outreach, women empowerment and gender sensitization during her peacekeeping deployment.

Why Major Abhilasha Barak Was Chosen

Major Abhilasha Barak is currently serving as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

She has been recognized for her impactful engagement with the women and adolescent girls in conflict affected communities, along with the conducting gender sensitization training for peacekeepers.

Her work had also focused on strengthening trust between local communities and UN peacekeeping forces while ensuring the women’s voices are included in peacebuilding efforts.

A Historic Achievement for India

Major Abhilasha Barak becomes the third Indian recipient of the prestigious UN honor.

Earlier Indian awardees includes the,

• Major Suman Gawani (2019) – for her work in the South Sudan.
• Major Radhika Sen (2023) – for her contribution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

India continues to emerge as the leading force in the gender-inclusive peacekeeping leadership.

Who Is Major Abhilasha Barak?

Major Abhilasha Barak is already a trailblazer in the Indian military history.

She is known as the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army and broken the major barriers in the armed forces.

Her UN recognition also further strengthens her legacy as a symbol of leadership, courage and women’s empowerment.

What Is the UN Military Gender Advocate Award?

The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was created in the year 2016 by the UN Department for Peace Operations.

It honors those military peacekeepers who successfully integrate gender equality principles into peacekeeping missions.

The award is linked  with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which focuses on to Women, Peace and Security.

The aim is to encourage the stronger female participation and gender-sensitive peacebuilding globally.

India’s Strong Role in UN Peacekeeping

India remains as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.

As of February 2026, the UN mission in the Lebanon includes 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 countries.

India contributes around the 642 personnel, making it the fourth-largest contributor after the,

• Italy – 784
• Indonesia – 756
• Spain – 660

India has built the strong reputation for professionalism, humanitarian outreach and peacekeeping leadership.