TEAM WSL
Women empowerment has been a long-discussed topic. Have women bagged equal rights in comparison to their counterpart? Have they won the battle against patriarchy and claimed the position on the topmost radar? What’s happening in the world of women? To get a closer outlook at the actual scenario, let’s delve deeper into the story of women in armed forces.
How had armed forces started to induct women?
It was only in 1992 that air force, army and navy started inducting women as a part of short-service commission (SSC) officers. Apart from the medical stream, this was the first-ever time when women were encouraged to serve outside the medical line. In the initial days, they were allowed to serve for five straight years. After that, their service would be extended to over another five years. In the updated policy revision of 2006, women were allowed to serve for a maximum of 14 years in the place of SSC officers. Contrary to the male officers, women were allowed to join the army only through SSC. They did not have the privilege to join in any other way like men.
As of now, the military consists of more than 3,500 women whereas front-line combat roles weren’t a part of their position until 2015, when Modi government approved the Indian Air Force (IAF) plan.
We can see that combat, warships and tanks are still restricted for women in India is contrary to countries like the United States and the Netherlands.
Women have continuously proved their mettle by offering exemplary service to the nation. Women like Gunjan Saxena have broken the barriers of stereotypes and entered the Warfield bravely. It is a welcoming change that in current times, more women are open to joining the military. Nothing is impossible for a girl with an iron heart. Let’s encourage more women to join the military forces.
