Women in Armed Forces

Syllabus: GS 1> Society   >   Role of women   >   Women and Child issues

REFERENCE NEWS:

• Recently, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to increasing the strength of women in the armed forces while speaking on the occasion of Navy Day (December 4).

BACKGROUND:

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDUCTING WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES:

• Building trust and confidence: 
  • Women in the armed forces could act as essential enablers to build trust and confidence with local communities.
  • For instance, unlike their male counterparts, women in the armed forces can easily interact with local women and gather support and information.
• To improve retention and recruitment rates:
  • The armed forces are severely troubled by falling retention and recruitment rates, which can be addressed by allowing women to serve in combat roles.
• Inspiring and creating role models:
  • Women in the armed forces serve as powerful mentors and role models for women and girls in society, setting examples for them to advocate for their own rights and pursue non-traditional careers.
• Improved operations and performance:
  • Greater diversity and a broadened skillset mean improved decision-making, planning, and results, leading to greater operational effectiveness and performance.
• Gender is not a hindrance to ability:
  • As long as an applicant is qualified for a position, one’s gender is arbitrary. It is possible to calibrate recruitment and training standards for women.
  • In modern, high-technology warfare, technical expertise and decision-making skills are increasingly more valuable than simple brute strength.
• Promotion and career advancement:
  • As combat duty is usually regarded as necessary for promotion to senior officer positions, denying female personnel this experience ensures that very few will ever reach the highest reaches of the military, which further entrenches sexism.
  • In the army, women have to be given the same opportunities as men, and in order to have the same opportunities, they have to be exposed to the same risks.
• Effectiveness:
  • The blanket restriction for women limits the ability of commanders in theater to pick the most capable person for the job.

CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS:

• The distinct nature of the armed forces:
  • The army necessarily differs from civil society. 
  • On the battlefield, it's essential to focus on maximising combat efficiency and preparedness. Despite advancements in weapon technology, close ground combat primarily relies on physical strength. 
  • For instance, studies by the Centre for Military Readiness show that, on average, female soldiers are smaller and have 45-50% less upper body strength and 25-30% less aerobic capacity compared to men, impacting endurance.
• Abuse and torture by the enemy:
  • Both men and women are at risk of torture in the event of being captured by the enemy. Both male and female prisoners are at risk of torture, but misogynistic societies may be more willing to abuse female prisoners, and women are more vulnerable to this torture.
• Women are not given due recognition:
  • Most women in the armed forces feel that their competence is not given due recognition.
  • Seniors tend to be overindulgent without valuing their views. They are generally marginalized and not involved in major decision-making.
  • Many women complain that despite their technical qualifications, they are generally detailed for what are perceived as woman-like jobs, like routine desk work.
• Deployment Restrictions:
  • The bulk of the Indian Army (IA) is deployed primarily in difficult and rugged areas.
  • The posts are isolated, sans any basic facilities, and cut off for months, and the operational tasks warrant working in close proximity with men. Protracted and solitary deployment of women officers under such circumstances has attendant issues and restricts their employment.

WAY FORWARD:

• Reform Military Culture: 
  • Move away from a patriarchal mindset and gradually integrate women into all military ranks and disciplines.
• Equalize Fitness Standards:
  • Set physical fitness benchmarks for female service members that are comparable to the standards for male soldiers, ensuring parity, especially in combat arms and Special Forces.
• Adjust Training and Recruitment: 
  • Align standards with role requirements, not gender, and adapt physical training for effectiveness.
• Improve Support and Facilities: 
  • Enhance infrastructure and healthcare for women, especially in remote areas.
• Promote Gender Equality: 
  • Implement gender sensitivity training and policies within the forces.
• Recognition and Involvement: 
  • Involve women in decision-making and recognize their contributions equally.
• Expand Combat Roles: 
  • Open more combat positions to women based on capabilities.
• Career Development: 
  • Ensure equal advancement opportunities, including in leadership roles.
• Policy Review and Adaptation: 
  • Continuously update practices based on feedback and evolving warfare.
• Learn from Global Practices: 
  • Analyze successful integration of women in military roles globally.
• Raise Public Awareness:
  • Change societal perceptions about women in the military through public education.

CONCLUSION:

• With future war fighting becoming more sophisticated and technologically advanced, there is a need to exploit the large pool of skilled female recruits available and enhance their induction into all ranks in the armed forces. Women should be employed across the entire spectrum of armed forces in a phased manner based on competencies and qualifications.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. "Women should be deployed across the full range of military roles in a structured, phase-wise manner, focusing on their competencies and qualifications." Critically Analyse. (15 marks, 250 words)