India’s Major Abhilasha Barak honored by UN with prestigious ‘Military Gender Advocate’ award

She has been conferred with this award in recognition of her efforts toward the empowerment of women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 23 May 2026, 7:46 PM IST

Indian Major Abhilasha Barak receives major UN honor

New Delhi: Indian peacekeeper Major Abhilasha Barak, currently serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, has been honored by the world body with the 'Military Gender Advocate of the Year' award.

She has been conferred with this award in recognition of her efforts toward the empowerment of women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation. India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations stated on Friday, "We are proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been honored with the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award.

She is being recognized for her community engagement and outreach activities focused on women and adolescent girls, as well as for conducting gender sensitivity training for peacekeepers." Major Barak is currently serving with the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as the Commander of the Women's Engagement Team (FET).

A Matter of Pride for India

She is also the Indian Army's first female combat helicopter pilot. She will be honored at the United Nations Headquarters during the world body's annual observance of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29.

This marks a moment of pride for India, as Major Barak becomes the country's third recipient of this prestigious award. Prior to her, Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen were honored for their commendable work in UN peacekeeping operations.