New Delhi: UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 has been awarded to Major Abhilasha Barak for her outstanding contribution to gender equality and women-focused outreach in UN peacekeeping missions.
The prestigious honour by the United Nations recognizes her leadership in Lebanon and her efforts to improve community engagement with women and girls during peacekeeping operations.
Who Is Major Abhilasha Barak?
Major Abhilasha Barak is one of the most recognized women officers in the Indian Army. She created history by becoming the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army Aviation Corps.
She is currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) as Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET).
Education and Early Life
- Major Abhilasha Barak belongs to Rohtak, Haryana.
- She is the daughter of a retired Indian Army Colonel.
- She was born at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
- She completed her graduation from Delhi Technological University in 2016.
- She later joined the Officers Training Academy in Chennai and completed her military training in 2017.
Military Career Journey
Entry Into the Indian Army
- She was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Corps in September 2018.
- She quickly gained attention for her discipline and leadership abilities.
- In 2019, she led the Army Air Defence contingent during the President’s Colours ceremony.
Becoming India’s First Woman Combat Aviator
- In 2022, she became the first woman combat aviator in the Indian Army.
- She completed intensive aviation training at the Combat Army Aviation Training School in Nashik, Maharashtra.
- Her achievement opened new doors for women in combat aviation roles.
Major Career Highlights
UN Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon
- Serving with the Indian Battalion under UNIFIL
- Commander of the Female Engagement Team
- Conducted:
- Outreach programs for women and adolescent girls
- Gender sensitisation training for peacekeepers
- Community interaction activities in conflict zones
Her work helped strengthen trust between peacekeepers and local communities.
UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025
The award recognizes military personnel who actively promote:
- Gender equality
- Women’s safety
- Inclusive peacekeeping operations
Major Barak will receive the honour at the UN Headquarters during the International Day of UN Peacekeepers event on May 29, 2026.
Why Her Achievement Is Important
- Inspires more women to join the armed forces
- Highlights India’s growing role in UN peacekeeping
- Strengthens women’s representation in military leadership
- Shows the importance of inclusive peacekeeping operations
She is now among the few Indian officers to receive this prestigious UN recognition.
Read also: Women Bureaucrats on Gender Equality in Civil Service
