Major Abhilasha Barak Wins UN Military Gender Advocate Award

Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army was announced as the recipient of the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

Major Abhilasha Barak of the Indian Army was selected for the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. She was recognised for community outreach, gender sensitisation training and work with women and adolescent girls during UN peacekeeping service in Lebanon. Major Barak is also known as the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. The award strengthens India’s profile in UN peacekeeping and women-led military leadership.