Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army has been recognized as the recipient of the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. This prestigious honor celebrates her remarkable contributions to gender-responsive peacekeeping while she served with the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The award not only highlights Major Barak’s achievements but also underscores the Indian Army’s legacy in global peacekeeping efforts. Honored for her role as Commander of the Female Engagement Team, Major Barak significantly impacted community outreach initiatives, particularly focusing on women and adolescent girls, and provided gender sensitization training for peacekeepers in the area.
As the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army, Major Barak’s recognition is particularly significant, marking a substantial breakthrough for women in military aviation. Her journey from an Army Air Defence officer, where she was commissioned in September 2018, to becoming a combat aviator in 2022 has paved the way for a new generation of women officers breaking traditional barriers within the armed forces.
In her role with UNIFIL, Major Barak has been pivotal in leading the Female Engagement Team, which is instrumental in areas where cultural and social barriers restrict interactions between male peacekeepers and local women. These teams enhance missions by enabling peacekeepers to connect with the female population, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that peacekeeping efforts remain inclusive and effective.
Major Barak’s initiatives have focused on building trust within local communities, emphasizing engagement with women and adolescent girls. This outreach has not only strengthened communication channels between peacekeepers and civilians but has also supported broader objectives aligned with the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Such engagements are crucial in conflict-affected areas, assisting in understanding local needs, addressing protection issues, and encouraging women’s participation in peace-building efforts.
Furthermore, she has been recognized for implementing gender sensitization training for her fellow peacekeepers. This training equips personnel with the understanding necessary to recognize the unique effects of conflict on different genders, allowing missions to address challenges such as gender-based violence and promote inclusive dialogue.
The United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, established by the Office of Military Affairs in 2016, acknowledges military personnel who integrate gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations while promoting the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. This resolution emphasizes women’s critical roles in conflict prevention, peace negotiations, and security processes, showcasing Major Barak’s alignment with these principles in her work in Lebanon.
She is the third Indian woman to receive this award, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, both of whom were acknowledged for their contributions to UN missions in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, respectively. Major Barak’s acknowledgment continues the legacy of Indian women peacekeepers making a significant global impact.
The award ceremony is set to take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on May 29, 2026, coinciding with the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, an occasion dedicated to honoring the sacrifices and commitments of peacekeepers around the world.
India has been a consistent contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts since 1948, with Indian military and police personnel serving in over 50 missions globally. Indian peacekeepers are well-regarded for their professionalism and community-oriented approach, and Major Barak’s current deployment continues this tradition of excellence in Lebanon.
Her dual legacy as a combat helicopter pilot and a gender advocate reflects the evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces, demonstrating that military leadership extends beyond operational capability to include humanitarian sensitivity and community engagement.
Major Barak’s recognition serves as a powerful symbol of India’s commitment to global peace and gender equality within military service. Her efforts not only enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions but also aim to reshape perceptions and inspire young women in India to pursue careers in the armed forces.
As Major Barak continues her journey, her story is sure to inspire future generations of defense aspirants and young officers, showcasing that courage, competence, and compassion can create a lasting legacy of service.
