Evolving Role of Women in the Developing World : Indian Women Peacekeepers in Africa

Gender roles and patriarchy has often limited women’s participation in society and challenged their possible contributions to the community and the nation. While the 20th and the 21st century brough positive changes to women’s rights and role in the society across the developed and in many parts of the developing world, women still remain burdened with traditional gender defined roles and responsibilities in the developing world.The paper explores the evolving role of women in the developing world, with a focus on India and explore the changing attitudes towards women’s participation and role in the defence services. While traditionally a male dominated profession, women in India have created space within the profession, and have become an integral part of the Indian armed forces.The paper further explores India’s efforts in creating a women’s only peacekeeping group, which have successfully carried out peacekeeping missions in Africa and represents a major milestone for the empowerment of women and women’s leadership in the developing world.The paper also examines the opportunities and challenges facing women in the Indian armed forces, and how structural challenges still limit women’s participation and access to leadership positions in the profession.