Mizoram: How this woman IPS officer is breaking the glass ceiling

Aizawl: The 20th century has seen many changes in the status of women — in terms of empowering them. A society can only be truly developed if their women are empowered and have the freedom to voice their opinion.

India too has seen its women empowered through the ages. For instance, many have started joining the police and armed forces, which are otherwise traditionally considered a male bastion.

Meet Priyanka Kashyap, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of 2009 batch, who is currently posted with the state police department as AIG – modernisation.

Priyanka was and born and brought up in Chandigarh, and did her education there, before becoming an IT engineer.

However, destiny had something else in store for her.

Speaking with EastMojo, Priyanka said, “The idea of public service and being able to bring a difference in the lives of people brought me to this field from the side of engineering. I wanted to be a part of the change happening in our country and contribute to it.”

She stated that discrimination in terms of the entrenched systems and attitudes has always been a part of not only this service but others too. Police being a male-dominated profession has its discrimination even in more glaring ways and there are pre-disposed mindsets well set in their schemata which tells them a girl or woman can’t perform as well as them or that they look for excuses through their being a woman.

“So, yes, I have had that share too but adversity makes us stronger and women are a stronger sex any given day,” she proudly stated.

Priyanka highlighted the need for recruiting more female officers as crimes against women are rampant across the country. She feels that it will bring the much-needed sensitivity in the policing system which can then address women-specific issues more effectively.

She further added that a rape victim or a domestic violence victim will any day be more free and frank to women police personnel than their male counterparts.

Encouraging other women, Priyanka said, “My message to all the women out there is to join the police forces to be the change you urge to be a part of, that is of bringing justice to women in distress and need. Challenges are a part of life and we are strong enough to withstand them. Odd working hours will be a challenge but the satisfaction you would derive by being able to provide justice to people is exceptional.”