Breaking Barriers and Staying
Fit for Duty, Agility for Life:
Women in the Forces
Gone are the days when the word “woman” conjured up images of beauty and femininity alone. Today’s women are strong, competitive, and capable of tackling any challenge – whether in the corporate world or business. And it is time we recognised that they are equally capable of protecting and maintaining peace and harmony within our homes and nation. From the boardroom to the battlefield, women are leading the way and showing the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Making Their Mark: Women in Police, Army & Paramilitary Forces
The role of women in the Indian Police Force is crucial in maintaining order and stability in the country. According to data from the Bureau of Police Research & Development BPRD, as of 2022, the number of women police personnel in India stands at 11.75% out of the total strength of 2 million. Additionally, the percentage of women in the Indian Police Service (IPS), the top tier of the police organisation, is reported to be 8.89%. These numbers, although small, have been steadily increasing as more women are encouraged to join and given the necessary support and opportunities to succeed.
The representation of women in India’s three core Defense Forces is relatively low. The Indian Army has 6807 female soldiers, approximately 0.6% of its total strength. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has 1607 women (excluding Medical and Dental personnel), which is 1% of the IAF’s full strength. The Indian Navy has 704 female personnel.
The representation of women in India’s paramilitary forces varies among different organisations. The Border Security Force (BSF) has 5,318 women personnel which is 2.3% of the total workforce, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has 2.8%. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has 6.1% or. 8,560 women and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has 2.5%. The National Security Guard (NSG) has the lowest representation at 0.6%, with a total strength of 54 women.
It is important to note that being in the frontline forces is a physically and mentally demanding process, and the fact that women have been able to break into these traditionally male-dominated fields is an impressive accomplishment. Despite facing challenges and physical fitness tests that are no less demanding than men, women have proven to be more than capable of rising to the occasion and making their mark.
Women in Police – A Detailed Analysis
The representation of women in the police force varies significantly among different states in India. Factors such as recruitment policies, retention strategies, and societal attitudes towards women in law enforcement contribute to these variations. While some states have implemented programs or initiatives to increase the representation of women in their police force, others still need to. It is important to note that a diverse police force that reflects the community it serves is essential for building trust and fostering positive relationships with the public.
The below statistics give a national overview of the representation of women in the police force across the country.
National Overview of Women in Police
Government Initiatives and Implications
In recognition of women’s vital role in police forces, the Indian government has increased their representation. In 2013, the Ministry of Home Affairs reaffirmed its goal of reserving 33% of police positions for women and recommended that every police station should always have at least three female sub-inspectors and ten female police constables to staff women’s help desks. Crimes and criminals involving women need to be addressed effectively.
While women in law enforcement have made significant progress in recent years, increased responsibility and daily rigours necessitate physical and mental fitness, which is crucial to ensure they can handle their duties effectively.
Fitness for Women at Frontline
Physical and mental fitness is crucial for women in the police forces to handle the demands of their roles and the daily challenges they face. Physical fitness prepares them to respond to biological threats and challenges effectively. In contrast, mental wellness helps them make quick and sound decisions under pressure, manage stress, and maintain focus. These skills are vital to fulfilling their duties and efficiently protecting the public.
About UFA Foundation
Founded in 2014, UFA Foundation is a community of world-class coaches energising lives and bringing about human transformation.
Early in our journey, we partnered with the National Human Resource Development (NHRD) to create India’s first fitness lifestyle index. Today, we offer group programs that combine meditative movement-based practices with modern neuropsychology to achieve physical and mental transformation. The Anchor Practice (TAP) program creates a holistic wellness experience for all participants using a blend of ancient mind-body practices and contemporary core strength and somatic practices. Our approach to fitness includes functional fitness, flexibility, and agility, all designed to support a lifetime of wellness.
UFA Foundation
The UFA Foundation, an arm of Urban Fitness, is dedicated to developing national capability and improving the physical and mental well-being of women in law enforcement, paramilitary, and special forces. The foundation’s program, Bhramari, is based on The Anchor Practice and combines ancient mind and body techniques with modern core strength practices to enhance physical and mental fitness for the women in the frontline forces.
UFA Foundation has launched Urja, a pathbreaking fitness lifestyle program for school students bringing confidence and reducing anxiety and stress in a simple and fun way.
Impact & Vision
In CSR partnership with Bajaj Capital Foundation, UFA Foundation has ongoing projects impacting the lives of 5000 women home guards in Karnataka, further initiating training to 2000 female personnel from the Bangalore City Police and training personnel at the Karnataka State Fire & Emergency Services.
And this is just the beginning! With a blend of ancient and modern methods to improve physical and mental well-being, UFA aims to impact and continuously raise the bar with innovative programs. The mission is to develop national capability and bring happiness and wellness to the forefront, agility for life.
Reference
- Women in the police department
- Bureau of Police Research and Development - Women in the police department
- Women in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy
- Women serving in central armed police forces
- Central armed police force
- NCRB's Statistical Branch
- National Overview of Women in Police
- Women in Central Armed Police Force & Specialised Force
Summary
- Making Their Mark: Women in Police, Army & Paramilitary Forces
- Women in Police – A Detailed Analysis
- National Overview of Women in Police
- Government Initiatives and Implications
- Fitness for Women at Frontline
- About UFA Foundation
- Urban Fitness Academy Foundation
- Impact & Vision
