India’s First Woman Combat Helicopter Pilot Honoured by United Nations
News Desk: Abhilasha Barak, India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, has been awarded the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her outstanding contribution to women-focused peacekeeping initiatives in Lebanon.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations on Friday, praising Major Barak’s leadership in community outreach, gender sensitisation training, and support programmes for women and adolescent girls in conflict-hit areas.
Currently serving as Commander of the Female Engagement Team under the Indian Battalion deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Major Barak has played a key role in strengthening trust between peacekeepers and local communities.
Proud to announce that Major Abhilasha Barak has been awarded the 2025 @UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
She is serving with the Indian Battalion as the Commander of the Female Engagement Team (FET) in #UNIFIL. Major Abhilasha is also first woman combat… pic.twitter.com/FcAW3OFZul
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) May 22, 2026
Her recognition marks another proud moment for India in global peacekeeping missions. She becomes the third Indian officer to receive the honour after Suman Gawani in 2019 and Radhika Sen in 2024.
The Embassy of India in Beirut also congratulated Major Barak, calling her work with the Female Engagement Team “exceptional” and impactful.
What Is the UN Military Gender Advocate Award?
Instituted in 2016, the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises peacekeepers who promote the principles of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 — a landmark resolution focused on women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
The award honours military personnel who actively work toward gender inclusion, protection of women and girls in conflict zones, and greater female participation in peacekeeping operations.
