This Independence Day, Magazine Femina makes history by featuring 10 fearless women of the Indian Army on its cover. From leading all-women contingents to breaking barriers in combat and leadership, these trailblazers embody courage, discipline, and dedication, inspiring a new generation to serve the nation.
A Historic Beginning in 1992
It was in 1992 that the Indian Army made a history for the first time that women were being inducted into non-medical roles. It wasn’t a policy change. It was the beginning of a revolution in the way India thought of its protectors in uniform. Thousands of women have since donned the olive green, proving time and again that courage is not gendered.
On this Independence Day, the 78th anniversary of India’s independence, magazine “Femina” is honouring the women who also guard it. They are not just soldiers; they are leaders, planners, and role models who inspire generations.
The 10 Women Warriors on the Cover Page Of Femina
This year, India’s biggest and most renowned lifestyle and empowerment magazine, Femina, has featured on its cover 10 amazing women soldiers. All of them have a tale of perseverance and grit.
First Row (Bottom)
- Colonel Anshu Jamwal – For her leadership in demanding topography.
- Colonel Sofiya Qureshi – The first woman officer to lead an all-women contingent of troops in an international military exercise.
Second Row
- Colonel Ponung Doming, SM – The first lady officer from Arunachal Pradesh to become a Colonel who have been awarded the Sena Medal for her work.
- Lance Naik Manju – Spearheading the combat support duties of the Army. Each of these remarkable individuals showcases the strength and determination that continues to break barriers in the military. Their achievements not only inspire future generations of women in uniform but also highlight the evolving role of women in defence forces worldwide.
- Colonel Meghna Dave – Serving with excellence in operational and training commands.
Third Row
- Captain Shraddha Shivdavkar – Awarded for her service in logistics and operational readiness.
- Lieutenant Colonel Krutika Patil – A trailblazer in Army engineering services.
- Captain Ojaswita Shree – Motivating youth with her success in tough field postings.
- Lance Naik Aashika – Symbolizing the growing role of women in conventionally male units.
At the Top
- Major Dwipannita Kalita – Known to be efficient in operations and leadership skills.
How Women Transformed the Face of the Army
Women officers have been deployed in the fields ranging from combat engineering to UN peacekeeping missions.
In 2016, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi led the first all-women contingent in an international exercise a first in history. Similarly, Colonel Ponung Doming’s journey from a small town in Arunachal Pradesh to a decorated Army officer shows the opportunities that are available when service meets determination.
Women have also been commissioned in the Corps of Military Police in recent years and are now eligible for permanent commission in many branches — a step welcomed by the Supreme Court in 2020. This means they are now eligible to reach senior leadership positions.
About Femina Magazine
Femina is India’s oldest and most trustworthy women’s magazine, established in 1959. It has evolved over the years from a style and lifestyle guidebook to a platform that empowers women, celebrates success, and gives them a voice.
How Femina Works
- Interviews & Profiles – Featuring inspiring women from all walks of life.
- Campaigns – Advocating for social change, equality, and women’s rights.
- Events – Organising platforms like the Femina Women Awards to recognise excellence.
Its value lies in the fact that its mainstream exposure brings to life stories that would otherwise remain hidden such as the achievements of women in the military. By placing these 10 soldiers on the cover, Femina has brought their bravery into living rooms all over India, inspiring hundreds of young girls.
Why This Matters
Putting women soldiers on the cover of a lifestyle magazine brings together two worlds — the tough, disciplined world of the Army and the common aspirations of Indian readers.
It sends a powerful message: serving the country is as much a part of womanhood as any other aspiration.
It also informs young girls that they can aspire to don the uniform, command troops, and make strategic decisions during times of crisis. In other words, patriotism can be a profession.
Final Thought
The journey from 1992 up to today has been one of breaking stereotypes, mission by mission.
These 10 women, and the thousands like them, are not just patrolling and defending our borders but they are expanding our definition of what women can do. And as Femina rightly does by publishing them, their stories must be told – loudly, proudly, and repeatedly.
