Once viewed as an unattainable aspiration, the dream of women serving in India’s defense forces has now become a vibrant reality. Traditionally, the defense sector was perceived as an exclusive male domain, with women relegated to auxiliary or non-combat roles. However, in recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with women stepping into roles across all branches of India’s defense forces — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). In fact, women are increasingly being told on the borders, “You are soldiers, neither men nor women.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the growing recognition of women as equals in defense roles. The approval of India’s first all-women CISF battalion, tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, including airports and metro systems, highlights this monumental change. The increasing participation of women in national security not only reflects empowerment but also redefines what it means to serve the nation
The once far-off dream of women serving in India’s defense is now not only a reality but also a beacon of empowerment for women across the nation.
Rising Growth of Women in Defence: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Women’s participation in India’s defense forces has been steadily increasing over the years. As of 2023, women comprise approximately 8% of the total personnel in India’s armed forces. This figure, though still modest, reflects a significant shift in the participation of women in national defense. For example, in the Indian Army, women have been inducted in roles ranging from medical officers to combat roles, including in the Corps of Military Police and the Indian Army Aviation Corps.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has played a key role in breaking barriers, notably in 2016 when it became the first of the Indian armed forces to allow women to serve as fighter pilots. Today, women serve as fighter pilots, pilots of transport aircraft, and in key command positions. The 2016 decision was a landmark, and since then, women like Squadron Leader Minty Agarwal and Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi have become role models, inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. Women have also risen to the ranks of Wing Commander and Group Captain in the IAF, reflecting the broader trend of gender inclusion in leadership roles.
The Changing Role of Women in India’s Defense Forces
Women are being recruited into the Army, Navy, and Air Force in both combat and non-combat roles. The establishment of women-only battalions like the CISF Mahila Battalion and other similar initiatives is a reflection of the growing recognition of women’s contributions to national security.
One of the most powerful visual affirmations of this change came recently when a woman officer led the Republic Day parade, commanding a contingent of male soldiers. This moment was a clear signal that women in India’s defense forces are no longer seen as an anomaly but as leaders in their own right, capable of commanding and shaping the future of defense.
The Border Security Force (BSF), known for its tough assignments along India’s borders, has also been at the forefront of including women in combat and high-security roles. Women in the BSF, CISF, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) now serve in challenging conditions, providing security and maintaining order in some of the most high-pressure environments. Furthermore, the induction of women into elite units like the Agni Veer Corps — a new initiative where women play pivotal roles as soldiers, joining the ranks of men in the armed forces — signals the growing normalization of women in high-stakes defense roles.
In the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), women are increasingly taking up significant roles. As of 2023, the number of women serving in the CISF has risen to over 7%, a substantial increase from previous years. The induction of women into the elite CISF battalion is part of a larger strategy to expand women’s roles in high-security areas, including airports, metro stations, and in VIP security. The CISF, with its high-profile operations, represents one of the most visible examples of how women are steadily reshaping the landscape of defense security.
Why Women Are Choosing Defence as a Career Option?
The growing interest of women in joining the defense forces can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to the increasing visibility and appeal of this career path:
1. Empowerment and Social Change: With changing societal attitudes toward women’s roles in professional settings, many women are drawn to the defense sector for the empowerment it offers. The opportunity to prove their mettle in physically and mentally demanding roles is empowering, with women in defense becoming role models for future generations.
2. Job Security and Financial Independence: The defense sector offers job stability, competitive pay, pensions, and healthcare — all significant draws for women seeking career advancement. For many women, these benefits provide a secure and fulfilling path to financial independence, especially in a sector where women are increasingly earning the same respect as their male counterparts.
3. National Pride and Service: The opportunity to serve the nation in a prestigious role is a powerful motivator. Women, like their male peers, are motivated by patriotism and the desire to contribute meaningfully to national security. The respect and sense of pride that comes with serving in India’s defense forces can provide a sense of purpose that many women find attractive.
4. Physical and Mental Challenges: Defense roles offer women the chance to face and overcome physical and mental challenges. The rigorous training and complex operations demand resilience, discipline, and critical thinking — qualities that many women seek to develop in their professional lives.
5. Role Models and Growing Representation: The visible presence of women in key positions, from fighter pilots to naval officers, has led to a powerful ripple effect, inspiring more young girls to consider a career in defense. Figures like Flight Lieutenant Avani Chaturvedi and Captain Shalini Singh have become symbols of determination, pushing the boundaries of what women can achieve in the armed forces.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Despite significant progress, challenges still remain for women in the defense sector. General Bipin Rawat, former Chief of Defence Staff, once noted the difficulties in recruiting women into defense roles, referring to the sector as a historically male-dominated arena. One of the key barriers remains the social perceptions of women in combat and the physically demanding nature of defense training. Although the standards for women have gradually been adjusted, many still face gender-specific challenges, such as biases in physical fitness requirements, which may hinder their recruitment and progression in certain roles.
Another area of concern is the treatment of women as prisoners of war. Historically, female soldiers have faced significant risks of sexual violence and exploitation in conflict zones. Internationally, the treatment of women prisoners of war has often been an afterthought, with few provisions made to ensure their protection in times of captivity. The Indian military, while making strides toward gender equality, still faces challenges in ensuring the safety and dignity of its female soldiers in such scenarios.
Women who wish to pursue both a career in the defense forces and participate in high-profile events like the Paralympic Games also face limited opportunities. However, several women athletes have demonstrated exceptional resilience, and there is growing support for women to balance both careers. India’s defense forces have started to recognize the importance of mental and physical fitness for women, offering more opportunities for them to participate in events like the Paralympics, showcasing that a career in defense does not limit participation in other aspects of life.
A Future of Equal Opportunity
The journey of women in India’s defense sector is a remarkable story of progress, resilience, and empowerment. As more women join the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, BSF, and CISF, they are not only shaping their own futures but also contributing to the national security fabric of the country. The establishment of all-women battalions, alongside the continuous rise in female representation, shows that India’s defense sector is no longer just a male-dominated arena. For young girls dreaming of serving their country, the doors to defense are wide open — and the future looks brighter than ever.