During India's Amrit Kaal, the strength and resilience of Nari Shakti have been instrumental in driving transformative change. Prime Minister Modi has consistently underscored the significance of women-led development in propelling the nation forward. Women are actively contributing to the vision of a Sashakt Bharat in multifaceted ways. Whether posted in challenging terrains like Siachen, piloting fighter planes, or serving in NDRF teams for rescue missions, India's women are pivotal in safeguarding the nation and elevating our national pride. It is clear how the push towards encouraging the Nari Shakti to pursue a career in defence and serve the nation is reigning positive results and gaining momentum.
This article highlights some important measures taken towards encouraging women in the defence sector and achievements around the same.
Training and Deploying Nari Shakti
A significant milestone is the inclusion of women in the National Defence Academy (NDA), symbolising the nation's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive military. In a landmark decision, Sainik schools which are traditionally known for nurturing future defence personnel, have opened their doors to 1,600 girls (as of July 2023), marking a progressive shift in gender dynamics.
The years 2014 to 2022-23 witnessed a 7-fold rise in the number of women defence officers, surging from 3,000 to an impressive 10,400. This upward trajectory reflects the growing acceptance and recognition of the invaluable contributions made by women in the defence forces.
Since 2021, women officers have soared through the skies as pilots in the Corps of Army Aviation. This historic move signifies a paradigm shift, as women take on combat roles once considered exclusive to their male counterparts. The gender-neutral career progression policy further ensures equal opportunities for women officers across various Arms/Services in the Indian Army. The first group of female cadets initiated their training at the National Defence Academy in July 2022, and subsequently, the second batch commenced their training in January 2023. As on March 2023, over 7000 women officers are serving in Indian Army.
Permanent Commission and Key Appointments
A monumental leap towards gender inclusivity is the granting of Permanent Commission to Women Officers in 11 Arms and Services. This move not only acknowledges their dedication but also empowers them to assume key leadership roles, including Commanding Officers in Combat Units of various field units. The Indian Army recognizes and values the competence and capability of women officers, providing them with avenues to contribute significantly.
India also boasts of an all-woman anti-terrorist SWAT team consisting of 36 members which is deployed on occasions like Independence Day.
Channeling the youth
The Agnipath Scheme stands as a testament to the progressive outlook of the Indian Armed Forces. 20% of the scheme is reserved for women. Enrolling women as Agniveers, with 155 Airmen Agniveervayu and 726 Sailors as of July 2023, the scheme has opened avenues for women to serve in roles traditionally perceived as male-dominated.
Women Leading the Way Across Sectors
Women in India are breaking barriers across various professional domains, showcasing their prowess in STEM fields, including engineering, technology, research, and innovation. Today, nearly 43% of STEM graduates are women. Moreover, the aviation sector witnessed a shift with women serving as pilots, challenging stereotypes in this challenging and dynamic field. India is at the top in gender equality at the flight deck with 15% of the world’s total women pilots.
Entrepreneurship has seen a notable rise as an increasing number of women establish and lead successful businesses in diverse industries. Nearly 70% of MUDRA accounts belong to women entrepreneurs which also indicates job creation at the grassroots level. Additionally, over 47% of India’s startups have at least one female director.
In sports, women athletes excel at national and international levels, actively challenging gender norms. The rigorous training provided under the Sports Promotional Schemes of the Sports Authority of India has enabled 3,146 women athletes reflecting a paradigm shift in the recognition and support extended to women in the field of sports. The dedication of the government to nurturing female talent is exemplified through the "Sports for Women" segment of the Khelo India Scheme.
Legal professions witness a surge in women pursuing careers in law, holding roles as lawyers, judges, and legal professionals. Additionally, women contribute to fields like construction and civil engineering, participating actively in infrastructure development projects, reflecting a multifaceted engagement across various sectors. Women in rural areas are benefitting from getting skilling and training opportunities. Their presence is also increasing in local governance as 46% of elected representatives in rural local bodies in India are women. Thus, India’s Nari Shakti is truly paving the way for a Sashakt Bharat.
