The Indian Army, which is already a gender-agnostic force, is marching ahead to induct more women into its ranks.
The induction of women into the service in more numbers is not a mere case of gender equality and fairness. It is also the Army’s recognition of the role that women play and the diversity that the strengths that they bring to the table. Women also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, which can be crucial for building rapport with local populations, especially in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.
These skills are also valuable in team building and conflict resolution within the military. With the same training as their male counterparts, women have proved that they can conduct operations in diverse operational environments.
Women are known to be great negotiators—a fact that was reportedly pointed out by Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) General Rakesh Kapoor recently at a conference meant for women UN peacekeepers of the Global South held in New Delhi.
The Army will be aiming to induct over 2000 women officers in the near future, as was announced by the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi in January this year.
Currently, the Army has 1732 women officers in the Army. This number is set to go up to 2037 in the next few years. Currently, 60 women officers are training at the National Defence Academy in Pune and 120 at the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai.
The Army is also looking to induct women as soldiers into Other Ranks (OR) in arms other than the Corps of Military Police (CMP). The Army has undertaken a study to induct women into ORs of other arms and services. Once this study is complete, the Army will approach the government to amend The Army Act 1950 to facilitate the entry of women troops, which the Act currently bars. Once the changes are made, the Army would look to induct 1200 women each year by 2032. This number will subsequently go up to 1700.
To extend more opportunities to women officers, the Army is carrying out a study to gain equal opportunities in career courses, foreign postings, and challenging assignments.
Today, nearly 124 women officers are leading major units in demanding roles and a total of 507 have received permanent commissions.
Women officers have gone on to do great work in the Army. An outstanding example of Colonel Ponung Doming, a woman officer hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, who received a Sena medal in January this year. Colonel Doming’s journey is unique as she was the first woman officer to command the world’s highest Border Task Force located above 15,000 feet in the Northern sector with multiple firsts to her credit in over 20 years of service. She has been at the forefront of many challenging assignments belonging to the Corps of Engineers.
Indian women officers hold 23 percent of UN mission staff roles, aligning with UN directives. Female Engagement Teams (FETs) are also expanding. With the number of women in the Army set to go up, their number in UN missions will also go up.
Officers of the Indian Army always prove their mettle even on an international stage. Major Radhika Sen received the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award for her work in MONUSCO.
Women, just as in any other field, have proven to be exceptional military leaders by consistently demonstrating a combination of strategic acumen, interpersonal skills, and resilience. Their leadership style often emphasises collaboration and communication, fostering cohesive and effective teams. They demonstrate remarkable resilience under pressure, inspiring their teams through challenging circumstances.
Aritra Banerjee is a defence & security columnist.