Despite recent steps towards inducting women into combat roles, the 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.

On recent ceiling in army women reserves have prohibited women participation in armed forces. Yet, SC in Babbar Pandey vs Union of India has allowed women in combat roles and permanent leadership. Recent steps: NDA - exam new rules for judiciary women, Agniveer - inducting women cadre, Navy - all women battalion (awarded the world), Airforce achievement (Gunjan Saxena), UN Peace missions - Libyas all women peace corps by India. Challenges Remaining: (1) Structural - Command leadership skill male dominant, (2) Ready relief in training & induction, (3) Institutional - Lack of transparency in Agnee academy, Women friendly infra not available, Wage gap.

Challenges Remaining: (1) Structural - Command leadership skill male dominant, (2) Ready relief in training & induction, (3) Institutional - Lack of transparency in Agnee academy, Women friendly infra not available, Wage gap. Measures needed: (1) Women role models in Army, (2) Dedicated cadre policy, (3) Specialized training - One size fits all does not preconfigure women, (4) Institutional - Lack of transparency in Agnee academy, Women friendly infra not available, Wage gap. Measures needed: (1) Women role models in Army, (2) Dedicated cadre policy, (3) Specialized training - One size fits all does not preconfigure women, (4) Institutional - Lack of transparency in Agnee academy, Women friendly infra not available, Wage gap.

Measures needed: (1) Women role models in Army, (2) Dedicated cadre policy, (3) Specialized training - Follow USA / Israel model, (4) Gender audit of NOA / Institute, (women led development) until begun from women led army in India.