Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Women in the Indian Army' that was published in Newsband

Women in the Indian Army

During Republic Day parade in Delhi, India showcased “woman power” with all-women contingents of the three Services for the first time. A day earlier, Wing Commander Pooja Thakur became the first woman to lead a ceremonial tri-service guard of honour, which the visiting U.S. President Barrack Obama inspected.

In theory women in the army may sound good but in practical terms the arrangement has not worked well in the Indian Army. Indian army needs to recognise women’s capabilities — as many advanced armed forces across the world have done, even committing them to combat roles — and their right to a full-fledged career in the force, on a par with men.

According to those who support Indian Army’s stand to not induct too many women in their force, being the president/prime Minister of a country or a CEO of a corporate is altogether different from serving the army and though women have equal or more brain power than men, they cannot be stated to be in unison with men in all the posts in the army and hence the Army seems to have some justication for their stand in the issue. The further add that this need not be looked upon as demeaning women or revealing injustice to women.

But there are many who disagree with the above reasoning and according to them when we debate about total equality to women on par with men in the army we must keep in our mind our present social fabric of our nation and also practical challenges which may arise due to this. Women can do as well or even better in many instances as do men. God gifted men and women with particular physical characteristics but a brain with equal capacity for functional development.

We as a country are taking baby steps towards gender equality. This is not bound to happen overnight. India has the highest rate of female infanticide, dowry deaths, underage marriages. Unlike the West we have to fight for equality and it is not considered our birth right. Of course, the situation at the outset may not appear that grim. There are women doctors, engineers, researchers rubbing shoulders in every field. But the percentage is minimal. And coming to defence services, all one needs is skill, which can be imparted to any candidate irrespective of gender.

Our Constitution has to be uniformly applied whether Army, Sports or any other professional activity. We cannot discriminate on gender. It is high time the Army changes the "mental block" and comes out with equality of service rules and regulations for women too. There is no other way. The Government cannot allow discriminatory practices in the Army alone - an unconstitutional act.

Army should take the lead in emancipating the women. It will be a great moral push for them and inspire half of the population to know their potential.