Diverse group of Indian Army soldiers standing united.

Level Up: How HR Policies are Finally Changing the Game for Women in the Indian Army

Avery Sinclair in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the groundbreaking empirical study revealing the impact of HR policies on gender inclusion in the Indian Army—and what it means for the future of women in service."

For years, the conversation around gender inclusion in traditionally male-dominated fields has been a slow burn. But now, a recent study is throwing light on just how much impact strategic human resources (HR) policies can have. The focus? The Indian Army, an institution undergoing significant shifts to integrate women fully into its ranks.

The research delves into the intricate relationship between HR policies and gender inclusion, revealing not just the presence of women, but the quality of their integration. It's about belonging, feeling valued, and having the support to bring your best self to the table—something that benefits not only the individuals but the entire organization. A gender-inclusive workforce is proven to drive performance, and the Indian Army is no exception.

This isn't just about hitting diversity quotas; it's about fundamentally reshaping an institution to reflect the values of equality and inclusion. The study draws from firsthand accounts of officers across different branches, combined with a thorough review of existing literature, providing a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities at play.

Unpacking the Study: Key Findings on HR and Inclusion

Diverse group of Indian Army soldiers standing united.

So, what did the study uncover? By using confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate analysis of variance, the researchers pinpointed specific HR policies that are making a tangible difference. These policies aren't just feel-good measures; they're directly linked to creating a more supportive and equitable environment for women in the Army.

The study also highlights the areas where progress is evident. For example, the research indicates that updated HR policies have significantly impacted how women officers are provided opportunities to utilize their knowledge and how male troop are comfortable in working in the same unit as female officers. As well as how troops are comfortable in taking orders from women officers. These findings showcase a shift in attitudes and a growing acceptance of women in roles that were traditionally held by men.

Several key areas emerged as critical for fostering gender inclusion:

Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.
Ensuring comfortable working relationships between all members of the army.
Cultivating positive attitudes and behaviors from male officers towards their female counterparts.
Promoting open communication and information sharing across genders.

However, the study also sheds light on the gaps that remain. While there's progress in some areas, the research indicates that HR policies haven't yet fully addressed issues like women officers feeling a strong sense of belonging, having a significant voice in decision-making processes, or experiencing equal encouragement from leadership.

The Road Ahead: Implications and Future Directions

This study is more than just an academic exercise; it's a call to action. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and military leaders to refine HR practices and foster a truly inclusive environment. As the Indian Army continues to evolve, embracing these changes will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, strengthening the force, and setting a new standard for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated institutions.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/2322093718796311, Alternate LINK

Title: Impact Of Hr Policies On Gender Inclusion In Indian Army: An Empirical Study

Subject: Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management

Journal: South Asian Journal of Human Resources Management

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Anupama Munshi

Published: 2018-10-03

Everything You Need To Know

What methodologies were used to determine which HR policies are having the most significant impact on gender inclusion within the Indian Army?

The study employed confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate analysis of variance to identify specific human resources (HR) policies that are effectively contributing to a more supportive and equitable environment for women in the Indian Army. These methods allowed researchers to pinpoint the direct links between policies and their impact on gender inclusion.

In what specific areas has the study observed positive changes regarding the integration and acceptance of women officers within the Indian Army?

The research indicates progress in areas such as providing women officers with opportunities to use their knowledge, promoting comfortable working relationships between male and female officers and troops, and fostering acceptance of women in traditionally male roles. This suggests a positive shift in attitudes and a growing integration of women across different branches within the Indian Army.

What key challenges or gaps remain in the Indian Army regarding human resources (HR) policies and their effectiveness in promoting a complete sense of inclusion among women officers?

While there's been progress, the study highlights that HR policies in the Indian Army have not fully addressed the issues. These include: women officers' sense of belonging, their voice in decision-making processes, and receiving equal encouragement from leadership. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring a truly inclusive environment.

Besides the critical areas identified, what specific human resources (HR) initiatives or programs might further enhance gender inclusion within the Indian Army, according to the study?

The study emphasizes the importance of providing professional development and skill enhancement opportunities, ensuring comfortable working relationships, cultivating positive attitudes from male officers, and promoting open communication between genders. However, it does not cover in detail the specific training programs or mentorship initiatives that could further enhance these aspects, an area ripe for future exploration.

Beyond the immediate impact on the Indian Army, what broader implications does this study have for other organizations striving for gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields?

The findings offer insights for policymakers and military leaders to refine human resources (HR) practices and foster a genuinely inclusive environment. By embracing these changes, the Indian Army can attract and retain top talent, strengthen the force, and set a new standard for gender equality. The impact extends beyond the military, serving as a model for other traditionally male-dominated institutions.