Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar, a retired Indian Army General Officer and the third woman to achieve a Three-star rank, emphasized the necessity of reservation from the grassroots level in civil organizations or governance. She expressed the importance of providing equal opportunities in these sectors, citing the lack of such opportunities. Kanitkar discussed the defeat of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, referring to it as a temporary setback.
She expressed optimism about the reservation for women, describing it as a positive step in the right direction despite facing initial resistance. Kanitkar highlighted the significance of reservation for women voters, aiming to empower them and encourage young girls to engage in these fields. Drawing a comparison between political representation and inclusion in the armed forces, she noted logistical challenges faced by women in combat roles.
Kanitkar acknowledged the challenges of navigating male-dominated spaces and attributed her success to competence being appreciated and equal opportunities provided at various levels. She stressed the importance of confidence gained through equal opportunities, leading to a reduced need for reservations. The former Army officer commended the increase in female appointments in combat roles within the armed forces, emphasizing the empowerment of women from grassroots levels.
