Women in uniform have only soared high in recent times, from the recent impeccable press briefings led by Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Operation Sindoor) to the many unseen women warriors who actively participate in cross-border operations. There’s nothing that women can’t do. “The recent inclusion of women in the NDA and permanent commission grants by the Supreme Court have opened up incredible opportunities.” says Major Anita Rathore from Delhi.
Affirming that the SC judgement in 2020 which flung doors open for women to be granted a permanent commission changed things. It allowed for a full-length career (for women) in the army. The Indian Army, Air Force and Navy today have women serving the country in all roles, including combat. From flying fighter jets to serving at high-altitude operational posts. Women have it all covered.
Real Role Models
Captain Yashika Hatwal Tyagi, a Kargil War Veteran and Military Inspired Leadership Coach believes that women need to prove themselves to get what they believe in. She self-volunteered for a high-altitude posting during her time of service. Captain Yashika says, “I became the first woman officer in the armed forces (Logistics Wing) to be posted at a high-altitude post.”
Captain Shiva Chauhan was the first woman to be posted at Siachen. Major Anita says, “Examples like Captain Shiva Chauhan are not just appointments — they are milestones that rewrite history.” Captain (Dr) Sunaina Singh, Indian Army shares her innate belief in one core principle. She says, “We are all taught one core value in the Army — The Nation comes first. Then the people we serve and lastly, ourselves.”
Daughter-Sister-Mother
It’s never been easy for Armed Force officials. The challenge goes a notch up when it comes to women officers. One of the most daunting-task is balancing personal and professional life. Captain Sunaina says, “Many women officers are married to fellow officers with both partners serving in demanding roles.” Some women officers take a step back after a few years of service. Captain Sunaina opines this is a step taken especially post motherhood. She says, “It’s a tough but thoughtful decision that many women take with maturity and grace.”
Major Prajakta Desai, Indian Army Veteran says, “The journey of a woman officer carries additional layers, not of lesser capabilities but of different expectations, perceptions and responsibilities.” When women enter the field, they walk into a space where norms have been laid down for a long time by the other sex.
Trailblazers
Sonal Goel, an IAS officer (2008 batch), Secretary, Government of Tripura opines that biologically, anatomy can have different demands from both men and women. Sonal says, “The only additional challenge I can think of for women in the armed forces is managing motherhood while serving the motherland.” However, she admits that despite childbirth many women officers manage both, the personal and professional gracefully.
Major Prajakta believes that with time every woman officer finds her own ground. It’s through perseverance, that these women officers write tales of excellence. One that is no longer defined by gender but that is designed with determination, intent, action, and integrity.
Equal Treatment
Many may think of the equality debate to be deeply embedded in a field like the armed forces. However, with recent times, there has been a deliberate push in thought and approach. Sonal opines when it comes to the Indian Armed Forces, there is nothing like a man or a woman. She says, “The moment they (women) wear the uniform, the only identity that takes over is that of being a soldier for the country.” Captain Yashika says, “In the armed forces, from Day-1 we wear the same uniform, wear the same stars on our shoulders, go through the same training and rigor, and have to undertake the same responsibilities.” Captain Yashika remembers that during her schooling days there were no conversations about girls joining the armed forces. She drew inspiration from officers like Kiran Bedi, who served as role models. Captain Yashika clung onto one belief: If you can see it, you can be it.
Major Prajakta affirms steps taken by the government and the courts. She says, “Allowing women beyond medical corps to apply for permanent commissions is an enabling and empowering decision.”
Such decisions inspire others to get into the field and serve up to retirement age or command units or simply dare to aspire to senior leadership positions. Sonal quips, “Gone are those days where women asked for a space to be seen. Today, they’re creating and commanding it.”
Challenges Galore
There are many challenges for women officers, right from convincing society, family, and oneself that they belong in that uniform. Major Anita opines that after passing through these initial phases.
The next is about proving one’s mettle in terms of physical endurance and mental resilience. Major Anita shares, “As a woman officer, I often had to lead men double my age and size. To be honest, they didn’t question my authority even once.” Such is the power of the uniform.
Flying High
Challenges may seem countless. But the spirit with which these women officers continue marching is simply unbeatable. Love and unmeasured service to the country are the only things they have their ears tuned to. It’s certain that they are paving the way for young minds who have their eyes set on joining the forces. Captain Sunaina says, “To all the young girls out there — don’t join the Armed Forces to prove you are equal or better. Join, because that’s your passion.” Reminding all that when one wears the uniform, it no longer matters who the person is. She adds, “What matters is your commitment, courage and capability.”
