PM Modi Congratulates Major Abhilasha Barak for Winning 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak for receiving the United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025. He described the accolade as a testament to her remarkable service and India's significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
In a social media message, the Prime Minister commended Major Barak's accomplishments, emphasizing her role as a source of inspiration for young Indians, especially women who aspire to contribute to the nation and global welfare.
Major Barak, the Indian Army's first female combat helicopter pilot, currently holds the position of Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, stationed in southern Lebanon.
António Guterres presented the award at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 5, recognizing her exceptional efforts in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and enhancing community engagement in regions affected by conflict.
Recognised for Empowering Women and Girls
According to the United Nations, Major Barak initiated extensive outreach programs benefiting over 5,000 women and adolescent girls. These initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and vocational training aimed at empowerment and post-conflict recovery.
Within just six months of her deployment, she reportedly conducted 539 gender-focused field activities, marking the highest involvement within the mission. She also led all-women patrols during periods of increased tensions in southern Lebanon.
She played a key role in launching the Lebanon Gender Initiative, an AI-driven platform aimed at enhancing protection mechanisms for women and children by allowing confidential reports of gender-based violence and providing access to helplines, grievance tracking, self-defense resources, and educational materials.
Her efforts also resulted in 75 Lebanese women securing fully funded scholarships under India's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, offering professional training in fields like renewable energy, finance, and agri-entrepreneurship.
Third Indian Recipient of the Honour
Major Barak is the third Indian peacekeeper to receive this esteemed UN award, following in the footsteps of Major Suman Gawani and Major Radhika Sen, who were also recognized for their contributions in UN peacekeeping missions.
As an alumna of the Officers Training Academy Chennai, Major Barak was commissioned into the Indian Army in September 2018 and hails from a military family. Her achievement marks another milestone in her notable career as a pioneering officer in the Armed Forces.
Recognition of India's Peacekeeping Legacy
Prime Minister Modi noted that Major Barak's recognition not only highlights her dedication and professionalism but also underscores India's longstanding commitment to international peace and security through United Nations peacekeeping efforts.
India remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations globally, with over 4,000 military and police personnel involved in various missions. The nation has a proud history of participation in UN operations, making considerable contributions to peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Major Abhilasha Barak's recognition by the United Nations further bolsters India's reputation in global peacekeeping and underscores the increasing role of women officers in promoting peace, security, and community development on the international stage.
