It’s not just the Berlin Wall that has fallen as a symbol of obstruction in the way of human emancipation. Several wickets are falling when it comes to unacceptable social mores, prejudices and prevalence. Fact is, the world is increasingly showing a tendency to think anew, look at matters in a more rational manner, and ensure justice to one and all. So too with the long-felt need for gender equality in the Indian military services.
Women do not form a large force in the nation’s ground fighting forces along the borders; nor do they when it comes to other wings of the military, namely the Air Force and the Navy. They are there, playing secondary roles, and in increasing numbers. The physical strength of men and their ability to work under extremely stressful conditions gave men an edge in warfare. However, modern warfare relies to a large extent on technology and less on manpower. A mix of brain and hi-tech work to win modern wars – as was seen in the US-Iraq war in 2003, which was fought from the air, and the firing of Patriot missiles did the dictator in.
The order by the Supreme Court this week was that all women officers in the army should be eligible for permanent commissions. This ended a system of granting only short service commissions to women. From now on, they can be deployed in commanding roles, and lead battalions mostly comprising men. Women officers would get equal consideration in matters of promotions, ranks, leadership and pensions. This being the basic principle, it goes without saying that the postings and appointments will be decided on the basis of merit – but without gender bias.
By issuing this order, the apex court dismissed apprehensions hereof on the part of the central government — to which a favourable ear had been extended to by the Delhi High Court.
Granted that women have a disadvantage vis-à-vis men in matters of physical strength but the fact is also that one of the greatest military commanders in history was a woman; she being Khawlah bint-al Azwar from the time of Prophet Muhammad. India has its own Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. Given an opportunity, larger numbers of women would show they are cast in a similar mould. Opportunity matters. India is inducting women fighter pilots since 2016, and a small number of women officers have been given PCs since April last year.
As the court noted, prejudices must end, mindsets must change, and gender equality ensured. This applies to other walks of life as well. With India, however, mindset is the biggest problem.