Major Abhilasha Barak Honoured With UN's Military Gender Advocate Award

Why in news

Major Abhilasha Barak, India's first woman combat helicopter pilot, was honored with the UN's 2005 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her work in promoting women in peacekeeping.

Background

Major Abhilasha Barak received the UN 2005 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted her work in building trust with local communities and developing early-warning networks. The UN also honored two Indian peacekeepers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Facts for Prelims

• PostMajor Abhilasha Barak: India's first woman combat helicopter pilot
• BodyUN 2005 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award: Recognizes efforts to promote women in peacekeeping
• FactUN honored Indian peacekeepers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of gender-inclusive peacekeeping in maintaining international security and fostering community trust in conflict-affected regions.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Community trust: Leveraging local women's networks for early-warning systems
• Gender parity: Addressing structural barriers for women in combat and peacekeeping roles
• Humanitarian impact: Vocational training as a tool for long-term peace stabilization

Keywords: Gender-inclusive peacekeeping · Early-warning networks · Community trust · Vocational training · Peacekeeping operations

More International Relations notes

• Iran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait and ships in Hormuz after fresh US strikes | US-Israel war on Iran News · 11 June 2026
• Trump congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM · 10 June 2026
• Two Indian seafarers dead, one missing after U.S. attack on ship off Oman, says sailors’ union · 10 June 2026
• No Ban On Import Of Indian Mangoes, Says Nepal · 10 June 2026

All International Relations current affairs →