In a significant milestone for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), women officers have emerged as trailblazers, spearheading critical projects in some of the most demanding terrains across the nation. Since its establishment in 1960, BRO predominantly comprised male officers due to the arduous nature of tasks and prolonged isolated deployments.
However, recent years have witnessed a groundbreaking transformation, marked by the induction of women officers into commanding roles.
This groundbreaking shift was initiated on March 8, 2021, when the Director General of Border Roads (DGBR) made a historic decision to create a gender-neutral environment within the organization. The appointment of EE (Civ) Vaishali S Hiwase as the Officer Commanding (OC) of a Road Construction Company (RCC) marked the beginning of this transformative journey. Hiwase undertook the responsibility of overseeing the construction of one of BRO’s toughest roads, connecting Munshiyari to Milam glacier in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Building on this momentum, EE (Civ) Obin Taki was appointed as OC of an RCC tasked with constructing roads and bridges in the inhospitable Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, an all-women RCC was established at Pipalkoti in Chamoli district, with Major Aaina Rana assuming command. Major Rana led her team in the development of roads up to Mana Pass, situated at an altitude of 18,478 feet, demonstrating exceptional leadership amidst challenging conditions.
The success stories continued to unfold as Colonel Navneet Duggal became the first EME officer to command a workshop in Kashmir Valley, providing crucial technical support to road construction activities. Likewise, Lt Col Snigdha Sharma made history by heading the Legal Cell at BRO Headquarters, effectively managing a myriad of legal challenges.
The journey of women empowerment within BRO reached new heights with Colonel Archana Sood leading a Task Force at Zero in Arunachal Pradesh, followed by Colonel Ponung Doming’s appointment to head a Task Force at Hanle, Ladakh. These appointments marked the first instances of women officers commanding task forces, underscoring their resilience and capability to excel in challenging environments.
BRO’s commitment to women empowerment extends beyond leadership roles, encompassing diverse employment opportunities, access to healthcare, and avenues for adventure and sports. The organization’s multifaceted approach towards women’s empowerment aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Naari Sashaktikaran’, fostering an inclusive environment where women play pivotal roles in nation-building endeavours.
Celebrating the spirit of ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, BRO has actively supported landmark women-led adventure activities, showcasing their strength and determination in various expeditions. These endeavours not only highlight the exceptional capabilities of women officers but also inspire future generations to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
The journey of women empowerment within BRO serves as a shining example of breaking gender barriers and setting new standards of excellence. As women officers continue to excel and inspire, they pave the way for greater inclusion and diversity within the organization, driving forward the mission of nation-building with unwavering dedication and resolve.
