Major Abhilasha Barak Wins UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak received the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

• She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army.

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About UN Military Gender Advocate Award

• The UN Military Gender Advocate Award is an annual United Nations award recognizing outstanding efforts by military peacekeepers in promoting gender equality and implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda in UN peacekeeping missions.
• Objective: The award encourages integration of gender perspectives into peacekeeping operations and promotes meaningful engagement with women and girls in conflict-affected regions.
• Selection Process: Awardees are selected from among candidates nominated by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from UN peacekeeping operations worldwide.
• Notable Features
  • The award highlights the role of peacekeepers in protecting vulnerable populations and strengthening community participation in peacebuilding.
  • Major Abhilasha Barak received the award for her outreach initiatives with women and girls while serving in Lebanon.
• Recent Award Recipients
  • 2025: Major Abhilasha Barak (India), recognized for her outreach efforts and community engagement with women and girls while serving in UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)
    • Launched the “Lebanon Gender Initiative”, an AI-driven platform for confidential reporting of gender-based violence.
  • 2023: Major Radhika Sen (India), recognized for her service with the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

About UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)

• UNIFIL is a UN peacekeeping mission deployed in southern Lebanon to maintain peace and stability along the Lebanon–Israel border.
• Origin: Established in 1978 through UN Security Council Resolutions 425 and 426 following Israel’s military operations in southern Lebanon.
• Objective
• • Monitor cessation of hostilities.
  • Confirm Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
  • Assist the Lebanese government in restoring effective authority in the region.
  • Support humanitarian access and civilian protection.
• Key Contributors (2026): UNIFIL’s force consists of 7,538 peacekeepers from 48 troop-contributing countries, including 642 personnel from India, the fourth highest after Italy (784), Indonesia (756) and Spain (660).
• India’s Contribution to UNIFIL: India deploys an infantry battalion group, staff officers and Female Engagement Teams (FETs).
  • Indian peacekeepers are recognized for medical assistance, community outreach and humanitarian activities.

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India at UN Peacekeeping Operations

• Long-standing Contributor: India is one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping, having deployed more than 2,90,000 personnel since 1953.
• Extensive Mission Participation: Indian personnel have served in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions, contributing troops, police units, military observers and medical teams.
• Leadership Role: India regularly provides Force Commanders, Military Advisers and senior mission leadership to UN operations.
• Women in Peacekeeping: India has been a pioneer in deploying women peacekeepers, including Female Engagement Teams and all-women police units.
• Global Recognition: Indian peacekeepers have received several international honours, including the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal and the UN Military Gender Advocate Award.
• India’s Participation in Active UN Peacekeeping Missions

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Conclusion

India’s sustained contribution to UN peacekeeping reflects its commitment to international peace, multilateralism and responsible global leadership.

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