Major Abhilasha Barak Honoured with UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025

• Indian Army officer Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the prestigious United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for her outstanding contribution to gender equality and peacekeeping operations.
• She is currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team of the Indian Battalion.
• Major Barak is also recognised as the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army.

Third Indian Peacekeeper to Receive the Award

• With this achievement, Major Abhilasha Barak has become the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this global honour.
• Earlier recipients from India include:

1. Suman Gawani — awarded in 2019 for service in South Sudan
2. Radhika Sen — awarded in 2023 for service in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

About the UN Military Gender Advocate Award

• The award was instituted in 2016 by the UN Office of Military Affairs under the Department of Peace Operations.
• It recognises military peacekeepers who demonstrate exceptional commitment towards, Promoting gender equality, Empowering women in conflict zones and Implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
• The winner is selected annually from nominations submitted by Force Commanders and Heads of UN Peacekeeping Missions across the world.

India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping

• India remains one of the largest contributors of troops and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions globally.
• Indian peacekeepers have played a major role in maintaining peace, humanitarian assistance, and community outreach in conflict-affected regions across the world.