Major Abhilasha Barak Award became a proud moment for India after the Indian Army officer received the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2025. The award was announced on 22-23 May 2026 for her outstanding work in promoting gender equality during peacekeeping operations in Lebanon.

Major Abhilasha Barak is serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. She works as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team in the Indian Battalion. During her mission, she carried out many community outreach programmes for women and adolescent girls in conflict-affected areas.

United Nations Military Gender Advocate Award

The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was started in 2016 by the Office of Military Affairs under the United Nations Department of Peace Operations. The award is given every year to a peacekeeper who makes special efforts in supporting gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

The award recognises military officers who help improve the role and safety of women in peacekeeping missions around the world.

Major Abhilasha Barak Award and Role of UN Resolution 1325

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in the year 2000. It focuses on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution highlights the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and peacekeeping operations. It also supports the protection of women and girls during conflicts.

Major Abhilasha Barak followed these principles during her service in Lebanon by helping local communities and conducting gender sensitisation training for fellow peacekeepers.

Service and Achievements of Major Abhilasha Barak

Major Barak became the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army in May 2022. Her achievement inspired many women to join the armed forces.

With this honour, she became the third Indian peacekeeper to receive the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Earlier, Major Suman Gawani received the award in 2019, while Major Radhika Sen won it in 2023.

The formal award ceremony is expected to take place at the United Nations headquarters around 29 May 2026 during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers celebrations.