Since its inception in 1960, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has predominantly been manned by male officers, owing to the demanding nature of its tasks and the isolated deployments required for road construction along India’s borders.
However, in recent years, a remarkable transformation has taken place, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and empowerment within the organisation.
A pivotal moment came on March 8, 2021, when the Director General Border Roads (DGBR) took a historic decision to create a gender-neutral environment for women officers, aligning with the government’s “Naari Sashaktikaran” theme.
Vaishali S Hiwase made history as the first woman officer appointed as Officer Commanding (OC) of a Road Construction Company (RCC), entrusted with the challenging task of overseeing the construction of roads in the rugged terrain connecting Munshiyari to Milam glacier in Uttarakhand.
Following suit, Obin Taki was appointed as OC of an RCC in the inhospitable Siang valley of Arunachal Pradesh.
Their appointments marked a significant milestone in BRO’s journey towards gender inclusivity.
Subsequently, an all-women RCC was established in Pipalkoti, Chamoli district, with Major Aaina Rana at its helm.
Under her leadership, the RCC achieved remarkable success in developing roads up to Mana pass, situated at an elevation of 18,478 feet.
The commendable achievements of these women officers inspired further breakthroughs within BRO.
Colonel Navneet Duggal became the first EME officer to command a workshop in the challenging terrain of Kashmir valley, providing vital technical support for road construction activities.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Snigdha Sharma made history as the first woman officer to head the Legal Cell in BRO’s headquarters, effectively managing over 700 court cases and upholding the organisation’s legal integrity. S
Building upon these achievements, Colonel Archana Sood and Colonel Ponung Doming were appointed as Task Force Commanders in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, respectively, breaking new ground in leadership roles within BRO.
Colonel Doming was given two more women officers in staff to assist her in undertaking construction of world’s highest road at 19400 feet in Chumar sector connecting Likaru – Migla – Fukche, world’s one of the highest fighter air base at Nyoma and Chushul – Dungti – Fukche – Demchok road along LAC under most trying conditions.
The organisation’s unwavering belief in women’s active participation in nation-building is reflected in its multifaceted approach towards women empowerment.
From diverse employment roles to opportunities for adventure and sports, BRO is committed to fostering a gender-neutral environment where women can thrive and excel.
Celebrating “Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” BRO also supported landmark women-led adventure activities, showcasing their strength and spirit in various expeditions.
These initiatives underscore BRO’s commitment to promoting gender parity and women’s empowerment, setting an inspiring example for other organisations to follow suit.
The appointment of women officers in command assignments has not only accelerated project timelines but also served as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of women in BRO. Their resilience, dedication, and pioneering spirit have truly transformed the landscape of the organization, paving the way for a more inclusive and progressive future.
