New Delhi/Chennai: The Indian army is a formidable institution that represents strength, courage and integrity.
It has always been a source of pride for the nation, but it’s difficult to refute the fact that by and large it continues to remain a male bastion.
Yet, there are some bravehearts from the fairer sex who have dared to venture into this largely male-dominated territory.
However, the going is not as easy for women as it is for men. It’s rare to find photographs of women officers adorning the walls of various Army offices.
“Whether you're in the army or anywhere else, women always have to work harder,” Capt Ashwini Pawar, an officer in the Ordnance Corps, says.
But doesn't the fact that women are not allowed to be a part of the Infantry take away from the glamour and glory associated with being an army officer? They have nursed the wounded soldiers and organised the file cabinets at the Army headquarters.
Capt Shipra Majumdar from the Code of Engineers is still hopeful. “I would love to go out for combat, but there are some practical restrictions. Maybe after some years, women will be allowed to be a part of the Infantry. But we don't know when, still we're hopeful,” she says.
Not only are the women officers disallowed from actively taking part in defence operations, their commission in the service is also restricted.
“Earlier it was five years, then it was increased to 10 and this year to 14 years. So we're hopeful, they might increase it further,” Pawar says.
However, going by the situations, it looks like it will take some time for women to get on to the battlefield.
An increase in their commission period might take some time too. But for the moment, they are enjoying every bit of their job backstage.
(with inputs from Simi Pasha)
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