Interactive session on ‘Parivartan in Defence Sector: Changing Role & Opportunities of Women’, In Conversation with the Hon’ble Defence Minister of India Shri Manohar Parrikar

FLO organised a very interesting programme with Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble Defence Minister of India. Shri Parrikar spoke on ‘Parivartan in Defence Sector: Changing Role & Opportunities of Women’, while weaving his political journey and his personal experiences to the discussion.

Pitching for greater role of women in the armed forces, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday mooted the idea of raising an all-women battalion and stationing of women on warships as the “psychological barrier” has been broken with the induction of female fighter pilots.

Mr. Parrikar said induction of women through the National Defence Academy and allowing girl students in Sainik schools can also be considered.

Ms Vinita Bimbhet, President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), in her welcome address emphasized on the crucial aspects of entrepreneurial role of women in the defence sector , which needs to be boosted to achieve the goal of inclusive growth.

She said, “Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO) welcomes recent steps taken by government to promote the participation of private sector in indigenous defence productions and 100 per cent FDI along with induction of first female fighters in Indian Airforce paving the way for women to be given more combat roles moving towards gender parity in World’s biggest force.”
“The interaction session titled ‘Parivartan in defence Sector, Changing role & Opportunities for woman’ with Union Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar will help our business women members to discuss growing opportunities in defence production sector as well as work together for more opportunities for women in defence forces including extending combat roles for them in Army, Airforce and Navy” said Ms Bimbhet.

“India has already joined handful of countries where fighting roles are being given to females , further induction will help incubating the shortage of officer in Army, Airforce and Navy . In our country ‘Shakti’ which means power ,is manifestation of female energy, the ‘Shakti’ defines our strength” she said.

“Similarly women entrepreneurs and corporate houses can play greater role in defence production, research and support and take advantage of new government policy of greater private participation “she added.

She further added that FLO has been successfully organizing various programmes in Delhi and across the 13 Chapters pan India, with the objective of creating a collective platform for women entrepreneurs to be empowered at various levels.

Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 & Kiran Gera, Past President, FLO moderated the interactive session with the Hon’ble Defence Minister.

Swati Mayekar, Chairperson Mumbai Chapter coordinated the programme. Rati Dhandania Mundrey, Imm. Past Chairperson, Bangalore Chapter was the MC .
Ruchika Gupta, Governing Body Member of FLO hosted lunch.