Republic Day 2024 : All-Women Tri-Services Contingent to Grace Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path

For the first time in the country's history, all-women contingents of the three armies - Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force - will march on the line of duty during the Republic Day parade on January 26. To promote gender equality and women's empowerment, the marching troop of all the three services will have only women personnel.

As many as 144 women personnel from all the three services will participate in the march during the Republic Day parade this year. Of the 144 personnel, 60 will be from the Indian Navy while the rest will be from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. According to reports, women firefighters will also be included in this squad.

While the defense minister set the tone for a women-centric R-Day parade
Last year, the Defense Ministry had said that the Republic Day Parade in 2024 would have "only women participants" troupes - marching and band - and tableaux during the parade on the line of duty. The Ministry has directed all forces, ministries, state governments, organizations and departments participating in the Republic Day parade to include women in their squads, bands and tableaus.
 

#WATCH | Delhi | An all-women marching contingent from the three services will be marching during the Republic Day parade, for the first time, this year. They took part in a parade on January 13 in Delhi Cantt. pic.twitter.com/YlEdw6Ab10

— ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2024

In the past few years, some all-male contingents led by female officers and some military contingents have participated in the annual parade along the line of duty. Last year, the Indian Air Force's marching contingent of 144 airmen was led by a woman officer with three supernumerary male officers. In the 2023 parade, the theme 'Nari Shakti' will dominate the tableau of Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tripura and Tamil Nadu.

Modi government pushes for women empowerment in armed forces
The central government has been pitching for a greater role for women in the armed forces in recent years. In April 2023, five women officers were inducted into the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery, a historic first. The Republic Day Parade, an annual tradition, not only showcases India's military prowess but also celebrates the country's rich cultural diversity.