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.

Armed forces are one of the neglected zone of women participation due to gendered segregation at roles. Women's participation: [Bar chart showing participation percentages: 4%, 5%, 6%, 8%, 12% across Navy, Air, Army, CAPF, Police] Recent steps: - SC in Babita Purniya case - allowed women only in combat notes - Engineers scheme encouraged women entry - Dedicated women participation incentives by Indian Army Key challenges: (1) Patriarchal mindset of Armed forces

Key challenges continued: eq In SC hearing → govt pre-stated - cautious opinion of armed personels regarding women's entry (1) Social taboo → women age sensitive and emotional → can't take part in men's masculine jobs (2) Lack of RTE modeling - limited participant since independence (3) Armed forces - not attempted proactive-steps towards gender inclusion - limited exit to nurses/doctor/non-combat forces (4) Gender-sensitive infrustrual is lacking in armed forces (5) Feminist raised concern over - lack of gender sensitization of army personnel towards women Measures to be taken: (1) Dedicated women recruitment drive as (USAA Army) diet.

Measures to be taken continued: (2) Gender inclusive military infrastructure - to toilet facility, creche family, separate rooms etc (3) Entry of women - allowed in all combat forces in all 3 armed forces (4) Role modeling - utilizing IGC campaign and media like Curzon solacing net say (5) Gender sensitive police - advocating women in decision making process (genderwise quota committee) (6) Encouraging women entry through afforest scheme. Entry into armed forces will send strong message of gender justice and gender equality to the society, we need multi-pronged approach to make armed forces - gender neutral.

— Vipul Chaudhary · AIR 115