It is a facet of women’s empowerment

We have notable instances in the history of our country where valiant women have fought fearlessly in combat role against enemies. It’s high time that they regain the lost glory...

There was an official announcement recently that the Army was opening its doors for women in combat roles. Indeed a “wow” moment for women in India! It is not a small or insignificant move by the government.

The Indian Army is one of the best and the largest armies in the world. However, it swings in favour of men in numbers. Way back in the ’90s, after a series of heated debates and discussions, a green signal was sent out for women to enter the Army. Today, they are represented in Ordnance, ASC, Medical, Educational Corps, etc.

The adversities were many, the physical vulnerability of women, the stereotyped mentality of the male dominated force, social unpreparedness to reintegrate women affected by violence and aggression… the list is endless. But the arguments in favour of women in the armed forces far outweighed the ill consequences. It is in a way, a facet of women’s empowerment.

Entering a male bastion, working shoulder to shoulder with fellow men and comrades, overcoming patriarchal stereotypes, engaging in all activities on the same footing as men, serving in difficult terrain with no preferential treatment, boosts the morale of women who know and believe that they are second to none.

Perhaps because of the species-specific growth differentials, some selection criteria might have been tweaked to allow women into the Army. But then, this is essential as the bars have to cater to the differentials and cannot be the same. If it were, it would have eliminated many from making this career choice and surely would not have been fair to women.

Anyone would agree that women display a great level of tolerance, patience, professionalism, empathy and understanding and a high degree of emotional quotient — the qualities essential in a hostile and aggressive environment. Operations today go beyond the physical level; they are technologically sophisticated. Use of technology in most of the aspects of a battle is on increase and will continue to do so. There is no reason why women don’t fit the bill here. The vulnerability that they may face is when they are captured by the enemy and subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Personal and social adjustment could become a nightmare and our social fabric is possibly still ill-equipped to receive and reintegrate them in society. However, these are only assumptions and fears.

While the government has taken decision in the positive direction to include women in combat roles, it needs to simultaneously sensitise men in the force to accept women at par, help overcome any stereotypes which prejudice actions; empower women to acclimatise to combat roles; build, rebuild and strengthen the social fabric to accept and take pride in the giant steps taken by women to be a part of this great and reputed Army and to educate more and more young women to have belief in one’s own strength and confidence and to choose this career path.

Women constitute almost nearly half of India’s population and it is but fair that they have an equal opportunity to all careers, including combat roles in the Army. Inclusiveness is a sign of development and maturity of a nation. We have notable instances in the history of our country where valiant women have fought fearlessly in combat role against enemies. It’s high time that they regain the lost glory. I have no doubt that women will be able to take up this challenge and emerge victorious, as always.

Maj. Gen. K.R. Prasad (Retd) is from the Corps of Signals. He is now chief mentor to Janaagraha, an NGO in Bengaluru.