The Indian Air Force has shelved plans to induct women as fighter pilots citing operational and cultural constraints. DNA queries to women to find out if gender discrimination is ingrained in our system.
Expert view
Safety in conflict zones is an issue
This is not an issue of gender equality. It is whether women are ready to undertake roles in frontline defence. Since we know the Air Force is a frontline service tackling security of the skies, it is a serious affair. If we consider the capabilities of women, they are certainly not in any way inferior. Whatever men can do, women can do better in any field or profession. They have commitment and women can be nurtured in combat roles and can become fighter pilots with training. Maybe the services fear if they are taken as prisoners of war during a conflict, they maybe tortured brutally. If women understand the constraints and can fulfil the requirement then they can be a part of the force. The only hindrance for them can be if they don’t comply with fitness levels.
—Prahlad Kakkar, ad guru
Same misgivings expressed earlier
When women entered politics, they were told that they belonged at home. This has been the reaction when they tried to enter other domains as well. We need to understand that gender equality is a process. It begins with orienting women in their roles and then allowing them to prove their capabilities. Women have excelled at striking a work-home balance; hence they can't be discriminated against. We need to change the way these responsibilities are looked at. Men must be conditioned to accept women as compatriots.—Nandita Shah, co-director, Akshara - Women's Resource Centre
Marriage can’t become a hurdle
I don’t think it is true that women can’t do certain professional roles and careers profiles, due to their gender. I’m sure that women, who want to become fighter pilots, know the constraints and responsibilities that come along with the job. Hence, they won’t let pregnancy or marriage become an impediment to their career. According to me, they want to keep the Air Force a male-dominated preserve. Senior officers are only using this as an excuse. There is nothing that a woman can’t do. With women already flying helicopters and transport aircraft in the IAF, they can move to a more mature role. Society must not put restrictions. If a woman is ready to face combat situations, then nobody can should stop her.
—Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal, theatre personality
Male pilots may quit after years of service
The move is against the notion of gender equality. Nowadays women have proved that they are not inferior to men in any sphere of work. Any field where mental ability is required or physical strength is demanded - women are always ahead. For example, in fields like weightlifting, cricket, hockey and in corporate life, women have made a niche for themselves. Women become commercial pilots, then why can’t the Air Force allow them a fair chance? Women must be given a chance to fly fighter planes. A male pilot may decide to call it quits after marriage, how can the Air Force judge?
—Maria Kuncheria
Men still dominate and set norms
Indians are stuck in a time warp and differentiate according to their gender. As a society, we are biased in favour of men — even in corporate life. We see many women bartenders and DJs today, in fields considered the preserve of men. It’s unfair to say that marriage or children can stop women from achieving something. Women should be given a chance to prove their capabilities. We still live in a male-dominated society where only men want to rule, this mindset needs to be changed.
—Aarti Chanodia
Decision makers don’t want to give us a chance
In this time and age, women are considered on par with men in every sphere. There is nothing that women can’t do; time and again it has been proved that women give tough competition to men in every field. I think women today are capable of achieving any feat. They know their responsibilities very well and know how to handle different situations. The explanation of the Air Force that there are financial, operational and cultural constraints in having women as fighter pilots are baseless. It seems decision makers don’t want to give women a chance.
—Vaishakhi Mehta
They can maintain work-home balance
Rather than just dismissing it as a chauvinist move, we ought to know what the existing norms worldwide are. I’m sure that the IAF has its reasons for coming up with this decision. We shouldn’t blindly criticise their decision. At the same time, the perception that pregnancy deters women from giving their best and does not yield results in the long run is not right. In fact, they should praise women for maintaining work-home balance. Women are equipped to handle various conditions and resume work soon after pregnancy.
—Veena Dave
Goes against the tenets of democracy
Women are doing well in every field. They are also doing night shifts and other tasks when called upon. The argument of the Air Force that women won't be in a position to do combat roles after marriage and pregnancy is unacceptable. They have also cited operational and cultural constraints. To reject every woman citing this principle is wrong. Some may chose to remain unmarried and service the forces. In a democratic country, denying anyone equal opportunity is not right.
—Nikita Kale
Availing leave doesn’t make them inept
Women should be inducted as fighter pilots. Marriage and pregnancy will not result in any disruption in their flying schedules. Women being actively involved in all sectors should be given equal opportunities. Like a government or corporate job, they can rightfully take maternity leave during pregnancy. The decision by the IAF seems biased. The authorities may have reasons for claiming that they don’t want disruption in itsflying schedules. Taking leave doesn’t make them less competent and is not a cogent excuse.
—Sagar Narvekar
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