Major Abhilasha Barak, an Indian Army officer deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), has been conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, recognising her role as Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point, according to a post dated 6 June 2026.
Serving as both Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point within UNIFIL in Lebanon, Major Abhilasha Barak has been at the forefront of integrating gender perspectives into UN peacekeeping operations, earning her the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award conferred on Major Abhilasha Barak underscores India's growing contribution to gender-inclusive peacekeeping — the Indian Army has deployed women officers in UN missions across multiple conflict zones, according to available data.
The award announcement was shared via Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official X account on 6 June 2026, highlighting Major Abhilasha Barak's recognition by the United Nations for championing gender advocacy within UNIFIL's peacekeeping framework in Lebanon.