With the rising frequency of terrorism and crime in our nation, the role of armed forces, army, air force or naval forces, has only increased with the passing time. Although these forces were earlier considered as a career option only by males, government’s increasing focus on woman’s liberation has seen rising number of girls joining sectors such as aviation, engineering, military forces and law amongst others. The rate at which the number of women has joined armed forces has significantly rose from the 1st batch of lady officer joining the Indian armed forces in 1992 to a share of over 3, 4 and 10 per cent in army, navy and air force. The brave acts by women in the field have led to shedding their delicate image entailing greater protection.
To change their image just in a span of two decades, a large number of women had been allocated the task of UN peacekeeping mission half a decade back. Irrespective of the fact that men are physically strong as compared to women, but women can efficiently handle difficult times with courage and good managerial skills. Being mentally more strong, women have been able to go through the rigorous trainings as well as face harsh challenges that are a part of being in the armed forces.
As India boasts of the third largest army in the world, one may find more uniformclad women officers in the army if gender disparities are addressed properly. The likes of Kiran Bedi, India’s first lady IPS officer, and Lieutenant General Punita Arora, a lady officer from the Army Medical Corps, heading the prestigious defence institution, have motivated millions of girls across the nation to follow their dreams irrespective of the disparities against women.
Despite being this path regarded as tough for women, with their courage and spirit, they will also be taking parts in combative roles shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in the future