Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, their participation remains low. Examine the key challenges impeding the greater inclusion of women in the Indian armed forces. Also, suggest suitable measures to enhance their participation.

(i) gender roles preventing women from applying to the army

(ii) lack of awareness and empowerment

(iii) lack of infrastructure and specialized training of women

(iv) concerns about safety in combat roles etc.

(v) allocation to desk jobs, non-combatant roles.

However, this can be addressed through -

(i) advertisement and awareness campaign-

(ii) Highlighting successful women in uniform. eg> Col. Sufiya Qureshi, Admiral Gunjan Saxena.

(iii) Dedicated infrastructure and training facility in army-

(iv) All women commando forces, special forces etc.

(v) Ensuring participation in active combat roles based on aptitude.