Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation. (Answer in 250 words)

Women induction into armed forces' combat roles has been facilitated by Supreme Court judgements and Union Legislation. However, their representation in these roles remain minimal. Key challenges impeding greater inclusion of women: A Societal factors: 1. Patriarchal attitude. 2. Low human capital development. 3. Toughness of JSB. B Institutional challenge: 1. Lack of infrastructure for convenience of women. C Gender, Separate washrooms.

2. Provisioning of utilities restricted in combat zones. (C1) Sanitary pads & hygiene requirements. 2. Procedural gaps in implementation of SC verdict. 4. Conservative attitude of brigade states in armed forces leaders. C Personal factors: 1. Preference for non-combat roles. 2. Serious safety of women cadets/officers during skirmishes. 3. Familial pressures to not fight for combat roles. Suitable measures to enhance their participation: 1. Development of necessary infrastructure → Washrooms, Sanitary rooms, Separate dormitories. 2. Changing mindset through role modeling of Officers. 3. Promoting sensitization of troops to accept leadership of women. 4. Government support to such initiatives. [Dracal model] 5. Ease of application and reducing procedural rigidities. Benefits of women in combat roles & armed forces: 1. Gendered perspective of defence. 2. Better representation and policy making. 3. Empowerment of women. 4. Fulfilling commitment of Beijing Declaration. Thus, women participation in armed forces will make the force more representative, sensitized and strong for defending the nation.

2. Changing mindset through role modeling of Officers. 3. Promoting sensitization of troops to accept leadership of women. 4. Government support to such initiatives. 5. Ease of application and reducing procedural rigidities. Benefits of women in combat roles & armed forces: 1. Gendered perspective of defence. 2. Better representation and policy making. 3. Empowerment of women. 4. Fulfilling Commitment of Beijing Declaration. Thus, women participation in armed forces will make the force more representative, sensitized and strong for defending the nation.

2. Changing mindset through role modeling of Officers. 3. Promoting sensitization of troops to accept leadership of women. 4. Government support to such initiatives. [Dracal model] 5. Ease of application and reducing procedural rigidities. Benefits of women in combat roles & armed forces: 1. Gendered perspective of defence. 2. Better representation and policy making. 3. Empowerment of women. 4. Fulfilling Commitment of Beijing Declaration. Thus, women participation in armed forces will make the force more representative, sensitized and strong for defending the nation.

— Vishwajeet Gupta · AIR 67