Desk : The United Nations has lauded Indian Army officer Major Abhilasha Barak, who has been named the recipient of the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
The recognition will be formally conferred during the commemorative events marking UN Peacekeepers’ Day, observed annually on May 29 to honour the service, sacrifice and contribution of peacekeepers deployed across global conflict zones.
Major Barak is currently serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), where she leads the Female Engagement Team. She has been recognised for her efforts in promoting gender equality, community engagement, and sensitisation initiatives within peacekeeping operations.
The award, instituted in 2016 by the UN Office of Military Affairs under the Department of Peace Operations, is presented annually to a military peacekeeper who demonstrates outstanding commitment to integrating gender perspectives into UN missions and advancing the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
According to UN statements and official updates, Major Barak’s work in outreach programs and engagement with local women and communities has been highlighted as a key factor behind her selection for the honour.
She becomes the third Indian peacekeeper to receive the prestigious award, following Major Suman Gawani (2019) and Major Radhika Sen (2023), reflecting India’s continued contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
India remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, with its personnel serving in multiple conflict and post-conflict regions.