Opinion | Women in the Armed Forces: Agniveers Perspective

Historically, societies have been patriarchal creating binaries between genders. Everything in society has been gendered from colours, spaces to professions and stereotypes like “Pink for women and blue for men”, “girls are not good at maths”, “girls should go in teaching” have become a driving force of our society. Societies have associated men with traits like aggression, bravery, strength and leadership and women with the opposite characteristics. It is observed that the armed forces have been male-dominated profession, with women’s participation often limited to specific roles like medical or administrative positions; however the inclusion of women has not seen much increase but a remarkable shift can be seen in recent decades.

Highlighting the inclusion of females among the recruits, In 2022 Indian Government introduced a recruitment scheme called Agniveer schemes and the recruited individuals are referred as Agniveers. This scheme recruited young individuals both men and women to serve in the armed forces for the period of four years with eligibility of 17.5-23 yrs of age. After completion of a four year term, 25% of the Agniveers are selected to continue in the armed forces on a long term basis while the remaining 75% are demobilised. These demobilised Agniveers receive “Seva Nidhi package, which includes a financial payout and benefits such as skill development and support for further education or entrepreneurship.

Women were primarily limited to short service commissions in non-combat roles. The total number of women in armed forces was relatively low, around 1500-2000 across all branches then increasing around 3-4 thousand in 2010, 9-10 thousand in 2020 marking a significant breakthrough. By the year 2023, the number of women in the Indian armed forces continue to grow with estimates suggesting over 12,000 women serving across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Women were being led into new roles including sailors in the Navy and fighter pilots in the Air Force. The women recruited as Agniveers undergo the same rigorous training as their male counterparts enhancing their overall capabilities, empowering their confidence and skills necessary for military services. The training imparts valuable life skills, leadership abilities and discipline contributing to the overall personal and professional development. The scheme provided women an opportunity to gain financial independence and ability to support their families, contributing to a shift in traditional gender roles within society. The experience gained can be a leverage for future employment within the armed force or in the civilian sector. It broke gender stereotypes challenging social norms regarding gender roles particularly in the defence and security sector. The government’s initiative for women’s participation in the Agniveer scheme, including provisions for equal opportunities and benefits, has been crucial in driving this change. By integrating more women into the armed forces, the scheme not only strengthens the military with diverse perspectives and skills but also plays a crucial role in the broader agenda of women’s empowerment and gender equality in India. Nearly 200 women have joined the Indian Army under Agnipath. As the scheme continues to evolve, women’s contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Indian armed forces, a remarkable step towards achieving gender parity and fostering diversity within the armed forces.

The Indian Navy has taken a significant stride in promoting gender equality and diversity within its ranks. With the induction of over 1,000 women Agniveers, the Navy is set to deploy them on frontline warships, marking a historic moment for women in the armed forces. This move not only showcases the Navy’s commitment to inclusivity but also highlights the immense potential and
Capabilities of women in serving their country.
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