Indian Officer Major Abhilasha Barak Honored at India House Following UN Gender Advocate Award
New York, June 5, 2026: Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army was recently honored with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She was invited to a special reception at India House in New York, hosted by Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
The event celebrated Major Barak’s significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping and her committed service with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Her recognition is a testament to India and the Indian Army's dedication to gender-responsive peacekeeping and aligns with the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
During a ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters, Major Abhilasha Barak received the esteemed UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Presentation of the award was made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
The award acknowledges military peacekeepers who demonstrate exceptional leadership in integrating gender perspectives within peacekeeping missions. It focuses on ensuring that the concerns and security needs of women and girls are included in these operations.
Following the ceremony, Ambassador Harish commended Major Barak at India House, congratulating her for bringing global recognition to India. He praised her efforts in UNIFIL and highlighted her achievement as a reflection of India’s sustained involvement in UN peacekeeping and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Major Barak’s accolade is particularly noteworthy as she continues the distinguished legacy of Indian peacekeepers being recognized internationally by the United Nations. She is the third Indian to receive this prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen.
Major Suman Gawani was awarded the 2019 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year for her role with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. Subsequently, Major Radhika Sen received the 2023 award for her services with the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition for 2025 further highlights India’s leadership in gender-inclusive peacekeeping initiatives.
Notably, Major Abhilasha Barak is also recognized as the Indian Army’s first woman combat helicopter pilot. Her career has been marked by determination, professional excellence, and groundbreaking service. From pioneering in Army Aviation to her international peacekeeping missions, she serves as an inspirational figure for aspiring female officers.
In southern Lebanon, Major Barak served with the Indian Battalion in Sector East of UNIFIL as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point. Her role involved integrating gender perspectives into field operations, patrols, civil-military cooperation activities, and community outreach efforts.
Her work in Lebanon focused on addressing the specific concerns of women, girls, and vulnerable groups within conflict-affected communities. Through regular engagement with local populations, she helped foster trust between peacekeepers and civilians, ensuring women's needs were acknowledged and addressed.
Major Barak led numerous gender-focused activities aimed at supporting women and girls in southern Lebanon, including awareness programs, health-related outreach, educational support, vocational initiatives, and community interactions aimed at empowering local women.
One of her notable achievements was integrating gender concerns into operational planning. By ensuring peacekeeping activities were sensitive to the needs of women and children, she contributed to making military operations more inclusive, effective, and community-centered.
Her efforts also involved sensitizing fellow peacekeepers to gender-related issues, improving their understanding of how conflicts differently impact various societal segments, particularly women and girls, who often face heightened risks in unstable regions.
Major Barak’s recognition comes during a time when the United Nations continues to emphasize the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. This initiative underscores the necessity of including women as active participants in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and recovery efforts, beyond merely ensuring their protection in conflict zones.
India has consistently been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with Indian peacekeepers serving in some of the most challenging conflict zones worldwide, acclaimed for their discipline, professionalism, and humanitarian approach.
Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition adds a proud chapter to India’s extensive peacekeeping legacy, underscoring the increasing role of Indian women officers in global military and peacekeeping roles.
Her invitation to India House was not only a diplomatic tribute but also a celebration of Indian women in uniform making a significant impact globally. The event celebrated national pride in an officer whose career exemplifies courage, compassion, and professionalism.
Major Barak’s achievements underline that peacekeeping transcends mere military presence, encompassing trust-building, community protection, local support, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable peace efforts.
By clinching the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, Major Abhilasha Barak has brought immense pride to the Indian Army and the nation. Her work in Lebanon stands as an inspiring example of Indian peacekeepers’ continued service to humanity beyond national boundaries.
Her journey from becoming the Indian Army's first woman combat helicopter pilot to being honored by the United Nations reflects the evolving role of women in India’s armed forces and their crucial contributions to both national defense and international peacekeeping.
The special reception at India House was a fitting tribute to her service and accomplishments. Major Abhilasha Barak’s recognition will continue to inspire young women aspiring to serve their nation in uniform and contribute to global peace.
