Historically, the engagement of women in combat roles has generally been limited and inconsistent. However, recent changes are advocating for gender equality, allowing women to enter and prove their mettle in combat services. This paradigm shift was witnessed when the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) recently appointed its first-ever female officers in an armed combat role.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
Established on October 24th, 1962, during the India-China War, the ITBP is a Central Armed Police Force that operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Its primary function is border guarding, with responsibilities stretching from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh, covering 3488 km of the Indo-China Border. The force also plays a significant role in Anti Naxal operations and other internal security duties.
The Induction of Women Officers
Though female officers have served in combat roles within the ITBP before, it wasn’t until 2016 that the induction of women as combat officers through the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) entrance exam conducted by the UPSC was officially approved. This groundbreaking change marked the beginning of a new chapter for women in India’s armed forces.
Status of Women in the Indian Armed Forces
The initiation of women into the Indian military began in 1992, with the induction of women as short-service commission (SSC) officers in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. This move marked the first time women were permitted to join the military outside the healthcare sector. A significant turning point came in 2015 when the Indian Air Force decided to incorporate women into the fighter stream.
In 2020, the Supreme Court mandated that women officers should be granted Permanent Commission (PC) in the Army’s non-combat support units, on par with their male counterparts. Early 2021 marked another milestone as the Indian Navy deployed four female officers on warships after almost 25 years. However, women are still barred from joining combat arms like Infantry and Armored Corps.
Challenges Encountered by Women in Combat Roles
Several issues impede women’s entry into combat roles. Physical differences between genders can make women more susceptible to particular injuries and health problems. Natural processes such as menstruation and pregnancy can leave women vulnerable in combat situations due to lack of privacy and sanitation facilities. Moreover, social and psychological factors, including familial attachment and instances of military sexual trauma, pose significant challenges. Traditional cultural barriers can also hinder the acceptance of women in command positions.
The Case for Inclusion: Gender is Not a Hindrance
Proponents argue that gender should not be a determining factor for eligibility in combat roles. As warfare modernizes, technical skills and decision-making abilities are becoming more critical than brute physical strength. Allowing mixed-gender forces can also address recruitment and retention issues in the military.
The Global Scenario
Globally, militaries are progressively embracing gender equality. Landmark moments include the American military opening combat positions to women in 2013 and the UK military lifting its ban on women serving in close combat ground roles in 2018. Countries such as the United States, Israel, North Korea, France, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, and Canada boast front-line combat positions occupied by women.
The Way Forward
Though strides have been made towards gender equality in combat roles, there is still work to be done. Cultural changes within the military’s rank and file and broader society need to take place to fully accept women as commanding officers. The responsibility for driving these changes lies with senior military and political leadership. Recognizing women’s right to pursue a career of their choice is not just an ethical mandate but a constitutional guarantee.
