In a First RPF Women Officers to March on Republic Day Parade 2025

By: WE Staff | Friday, 17 January 2025

• 4 RPF Women Officers to lead Republic Day Parade 2025
• Women Officers Undergoing Rigorous March Session
• Women’s Representation in RPF increased to 9%

Railway Protection Force (RPF) women officers will lead the Republic Day Parade 2025 for the first time in history. Four officers will lead the parade, with two officers leading the band and two others leading the contingent. This historic moment is a proud moment for the RPF and women in uniform, as they have undergone rigorous training and are ready to showcase their skills.

The Indian Armed Forces has announced its commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment through the participation of RPF women officers in the 2025 Republic Day Parade. The march is seen as a historic and inspiring event as the women officers are going through a rigorous rehearsal. They are undergoing training, including physical fitness, marching drills, and coordination with other contingents, ensuring parade readiness.

Despite a chilling and foggy winter morning on the Kartavya Path, a group of women, including 29-year-old officer Pooja Meena, prepare for the historic parade. The band group was carrying a cane whereas the officers carried swords while marching, making them louder than the men contingent behind them. Meena, who grew up admiring her brother's uniform, was selected for the RPF and is currently posted in Ratlam.

Inspector General at RPF, Sumati Shandilya says that the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is participating in the Republic Day Parade with a 144-member contingent, including two women sub-inspectors. The representation of women in RPF has significantly increased to 9 per cent in 2024 from 3 per cent in 2020.  This increase is aimed at increasing women's representation in the force, which has one of the largest public interfaces at every railway station.