Page 11 - The Indian EYE 122024

OPINION DECEMBER 20, 2024 | The Indian Eye 11

en’s capabilities.
Present-Day Reality in India
As of December 2019, women
accounted for only 3.8% of officer
roles in the Indian Armed Forces,
with no formal inclusion in direct
combat roles such as infantry or ar-
mored units. However, In the IAF,
women are now flying fighter air-
crafts including the latest Rafales
—indicative of progressive reduc-
tion of resistance to assignment of
women in combat roles in the Indian
Armed Forces.
In contrast, countries like Aus-
tralia have successfully inducted
women into ground combat roles,
and more than eight nations world-
wide now allow women to serve in
ground combat positions.
The path to integration, howev-
er, has been fraught with challenges.
Even nations like India and China,
which have historically limited wom-
en to support roles, face ongoing
institutional and societal barriers to
full inclusion in combat.
Challenges Women Face
Women in military roles en- Globally, women constitute a small percentage of ground combat troops. In Israel, they represent 33%, while in countries like Poland and
counter numerous obstacles, partic- Finland, the figure remains as low as 2% (Agency file photo)
ularly in male-dominated societies.
Physical demands, traditional views The US Experience The prospect of women being ward greater gender inclusion.
of masculinity, and logistical con- The United States began lift- captured or killed in combat remains To overcome these challeng-
straints, such as accommodation and ing restrictions on women in com- a sensitive issue, with concerns about es, military leadership must adopt
hygiene in combat zones, are signif- bat roles in 2013, marking a signifi- public perception and the emotional gender-sensitive approaches while
icant hurdles. Furthermore, deeply cant step toward gender inclusion. toll on families and communities fur- fostering societal readiness through
ingrained cultural resistance often Despite some limitations, such as ther complicating the debate. awareness and education. A bal-
undermines efforts to integrate focusing women on protective du- anced approach, prioritizing opera-
women into combat roles. ties, their contributions in Iraq and Conclusion tional readiness alongside inclusivity,
However, evolving warfare dy- Women have consistently
namics—such as the blurring of Afghanistan have been substantial, demonstrated their capability in will be essential for the successful
integration of women into combat
with over 140 women killed in ac-
frontlines in conflicts like those in tion—testament to their sacrifices combat-like situations through- roles. By doing so, nations can har-
Iraq and Afghanistan—have demon- and commitment. out history, but full integration into ness the full potential of their armed
strated that women are already op- ground combat roles remains a chal- forces, creating more diverse, capa-
erating in high-risk environments, Global Comparisons and lenge. Physical demands, cultural ble, and resilient military institutions.
often excelling in critical missions. Lessons resistance, and logistical concerns
Opportunities for Change Globally, women constitute a persist as significant hurdles. Howev- This article first appeared in the web ar-
The inclusion of women in com- small percentage of ground com- er, global progress, changing societal ticles section of the website (www.claws.
bat roles can bring diversity and re- bat troops. In Israel, they represent attitudes, and the evolving nature of in) of Centre for Land Warfare Studies,
33%, while in countries like Poland
warfare indicate a gradual shift to-
New Delhi, on November 28, 2024
silience to armed forces. Historical and Finland, the figure remains as
and global examples illustrate that low as 2%. While nations like France
women can succeed in these roles. In and the UK are making strides, oth-
conflict zones such as Iraq and Af- ers, including India, continue to
ghanistan, women have earned com- grapple with societal and institution-
bat action badges and demonstrated al challenges.
their capability in sensitive and high-
stakes operations. Cultural and Societal Barriers
Countries like Israel and Aus- Patriarchal norms, societal re-
tralia have embraced women in sistance, and fears about the emo-
combat, and public support for fe- tional and political impact of female
male soldiers in high-risk roles is soldiers’ deaths in combat pres-
steadily increasing. As perceptions ent significant obstacles. In India,
about diversity and equality evolve these barriers are particularly pro-
within military institutions, barriers nounced, where women are tradi-
to integration are gradually being tionally viewed as nurturers rather
dismantled. than warriors.

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