Major Abhilasha Barak Receives United Nations Military Gender Advocate Award 2025

Overview

Abhilasha Barak received the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2025 on 22–23 May 2026. She is serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon as Commander of the Female Engagement Team in the Indian Battalion. The award recognizes her contribution to gender equality, community engagement, and peacekeeping efforts.

Major Abhilasha Barak Receives Global Recognition

Major Abhilasha Barak achieved another important milestone in her career by receiving the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for 2025.

She became the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this honour.

Her work focused on improving community interaction and promoting gender awareness during her peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

The achievement reflects India’s growing contribution to international peacekeeping efforts.

What Is the United Nations Military Gender Advocate Award?

United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award was introduced in 2016.

The award was established by the:

United Nations Department of Peace Operations through its Office of Military Affairs.

The award is presented every year to a military peacekeeper who contributes to:

• Gender equality
• Women’s participation in peace processes
• Community engagement
• Women, Peace and Security initiatives

Understanding United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was adopted in 2000.

The resolution focuses on:

• Participation of women in peacebuilding
• Protection of women during conflicts
• Gender equality in peacekeeping operations
• Inclusion of women in decision-making processes

The resolution became an important framework for global peace and security efforts.

Major Abhilasha Barak’s Role in Lebanon

During her deployment in Lebanon, Major Barak led several outreach programmes.

Her activities included:

• Community interaction with women
• Support for adolescent girls
• Gender awareness activities
• Training fellow peacekeepers

She also conducted gender sensitisation programmes for military personnel in the mission area.

Her work helped improve communication between peacekeepers and local communities.

Major Milestones in Her Career

Major Abhilasha Barak has achieved several important milestones.

Key Achievements

• Became the first woman combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army