New Delhi: India’s Major Abhilasha Barak has been honoured with the 2025 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her efforts to advance gender equality and community engagement during a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
The award was presented on Friday at the UN Headquarters in New York. Germany’s Inspector Stephanie König also received the 2025 UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised both officers for their contributions to peacekeeping operations and their commitment to empowering women and vulnerable communities.
Major Barak is currently serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). She is deployed as the Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point within the Indian Battalion.
According to Guterres, Major Barak has played a key role in ensuring that peacekeeping activities address the needs of women and vulnerable groups in conflict-affected areas.
As a frontline commander, she has engaged with thousands of women and girls through programmes focused on vocational training, education, and healthcare. Her initiatives have helped strengthen trust between peacekeepers and local communities while creating opportunities for dialogue and cooperation.
In a statement, the UN chief also highlighted her efforts in supporting early-warning networks that enhance the mission’s ability to protect civilians.
Guterres said Major Barak’s work demonstrates the importance of UNIFIL’s presence in local communities and its positive impact on the lives of women and girls, even under difficult circumstances.
Describing her as a role model, he commended her dedication to service and contribution to international peacekeeping efforts.
The recognition places Major Barak among a select group of peacekeepers honoured by the United Nations for promoting gender inclusion and strengthening community engagement in conflict zones.
