Nari Shakti in Defence: Thank the Courts, Not the Military

Women in defence services: Participation has risen thanks to courts & not due to open arms policy of military or govt

The nation raises a toast every time women march in full military regalia. Empowerment, equality, equal opportunity et al are words often used. Office holders in the higher echelons of governance speak of ‘Nari Shakti’ and the media laps it up.

But irony is at play, behind the buzzwords. In reality, there is much reluctance within the defence services to embrace women.

Nari Shakti, as also not fully known to the political executive, has come to stay not because of any open arms policy of the military or the government, but due to directions of our Constitutional Courts, especially the Delhi High Court.