#317: Women in Indian Army
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Britishers brought in 'women' to 'nurse'🧑🏻⚕️
India let them in in 1950 but within limits until..
Babita said NO! SC had to call it violation of A14😲
Interesting story of how India let women 'earn' Permanent Commission in Indian Armed Forces😍
How did it all start?🤔
• 1888: Mil. Nursing Services estd.
• 1958: Indian Army Medical corps (docs only)
• 1992: Non-med roles w/ Women Special Entry Scheme (WSES)
[women in Short Service Commission → Edu, signals, Intelligence & Engineers]
Is that even legal?🤯
Yes, since 1950 via Army Act (sec 12)
2005: WSES turned to Short Service Commission → 14 years of service
2008: Permanent Commission in limited areas of law & education
This acclaimed 'injustice' found a warrior in Babita Puniya
What did she do?🤔
In a 2020 judgement, court found this denial of Permanent Commission violating A14
SC struck down this 'sex-based discrimination' paving way for women to hold command positions
• 2015: IAF began experimental induction of women
• 2022: women cadets in NDA
..and we already know about girls in Agniveer scheme
So, what's the status today?🤔
• 4% women of total (US has 16%)
• 2016: IAF began inducting fighter pilots & now in all combat roles
• 2022: Navy opened all branches including submarines & aviation to women
• Op Sindoor: We all saw the front role of Col. Sofiya Qureshi & Wg Cdr. Vyomika Singh
• Lt. Cdr. Dilna & Roopa completed Navika Sagar Parikrama II, 25.6k nautical mile expedition proving women's endurance in maritime defense
But CSEWhy, is that not challenging?😅
Of course it is! Here're some I can think of:
• Physical demands & training standards
• Cultural & Societal bias (conservative soldiers refusing command of female officers)
• Limited Combat Role Opportunities: barred from certain frontline combat arms
• Work-Life balance + Family constraints: marriage, pregnancy, childcare etc.
• Psychological & Emotional Pressures working in predominantly male environments
• Infrastructure & Facilities are limited around gender-sensitive health care
What's the solution here, CSEWhy?
• Training & sensitization
make training equitable meeting operational requirements through role-specific standards
• Monitoring & Evaluation
Establish GEI (Gender Equality Index) within military to monitor participation, retention, promotion & command appointments
• Promoting Role Models and Representation
Set right heroes like Captain Shiva Chouhan (first woman posted at Siachen) or Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi (IAF fighter pilot) to normalize women roles in uniform
• Leveraging International Best Practices:
Both Israel & America appoint & assign roles based on individual capability.
India shall adapt these models considering our unique socio-cultural & strategic context.
Military exercises + UN missions shall serve good experience to our women in on-ground roles
• Cultural Sensitization
Gender sensitization camps, inter-unit competitions, and mentorship initiatives to foster acceptance of women leaders.
Such measures enhance teamwork & operational effectiveness
Top it with normalizing women heroes via New Edu Policy 2020 to educate children from early age. This shall encourage young girls to aspire for careers in military.
• Balancing Security and Equality
At every point, national security shall be at prime to make decisions grounded in operational efficiency
• Addressing the Infrastructure Issues
Be it restrooms or pads, creche or counselling; supporting women personnel's well-being shall create a safer, inclusive & equitable environment