Major Abhilasha Barak Honored with UN Gender Advocate Award
Indian peacekeeper Maj Abhilasha Barak gets UN Gender Advocate Award

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Major Abhilasha Barak, India's first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award for her significant contributions while serving with UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended her role in transforming the lives of women and girls in challenging circumstances.
- 01Major Abhilasha Barak is the first woman combat helicopter pilot in India.
- 02She received the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
- 03Barak's work highlights the critical role of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in supporting women and girls.
- 04The UN Military Gender Advocate Award has been presented annually since 2016 to recognize outstanding commitment to gender issues in peacekeeping.
- 05The award promotes the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, emphasizing women's participation in peace and political processes.
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Major Abhilasha Barak, an Indian peacekeeper and the country's first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate Award. This recognition was presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a ceremony in Lebanon, where Barak is currently serving with the UN Peacekeeping forces. Guterres praised her efforts, stating that her work exemplifies the transformative impact of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on the lives of women and girls, even in difficult situations. The UN Military Gender Advocate Award, established in 2016, acknowledges military personnel who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting gender equality in peacekeeping operations. It aligns with the objectives of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for the integration of gender perspectives in peacekeeping and emphasizes the importance of women's roles in peace processes. Major Barak's achievements serve as an inspiration for both her colleagues and the communities she supports.
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Major Barak's recognition highlights the importance of women's roles in peacekeeping, potentially encouraging more women to participate in such missions.
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