UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

Why in News?

Recently, Major Abhilasha Barak, serving as Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point in UNIFIL (Lebanon), was recently awarded the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

• Aim – To recognise military peacekeepers outstanding commitment to the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.
• Established by – United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in collaboration with Office of Military Affairs.
• Launched in– 2016 by the United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO).
• Eligibility – Given to individual military peacekeepers in UN missions who show outstanding commitment to the principles of UNSC Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

India’s Contribution

• India is among the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping.
• Three Indian peacekeepers have received the prestigious UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award –
  • Major Abhilasha Barak (2025)
  • Major Radhika Sen (2023)
  • Major Suman Gawani (2019)

Reference

PIB | UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award