Major Abhilasha Barak Receives UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025
On May 24, Indian Army officer Major Abhilasha Barak was honored with the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
She is also the first female combat helicopter pilot in the Indian Army. The award is a prestigious recognition given by the United Nations to peacekeepers who have made outstanding contributions to women’s safety, equality, and participation.
The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations shared that Major Abhilasha Barak was recognized for her community work with women and adolescent girls, as well as for providing gender sensitization training to peacekeeping forces.
Her achievement highlights India’s contribution to global peacekeeping and gender equality initiatives under the United Nations framework.