They are swift, deadly, and highly capable of dealing with any situation, just like their male counterparts. This was on full show in April of this year when Inspector Amy Scott, a female Australian police officer, shot and killed a stabber in a Sydney mall. The recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, in which a female Secret Service agent covered and protected him, further substantiated this.
Yet, the Trump episode led many to build a narrative against the women Secret Service agents, blaming them for the security failure, which they said was the result of workforce diversity initiatives. Billionaire Elon Musk went a step further, questioning the capacity of the woman agent to protect Trump effectively due to her physical stature. In such situations, does a woman’s physical stature matter?
Legacy Ladies
Long before these modern-day heroines, a different kind of courage was celebrated in Tamil Nadu. The late J. Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, championed the creation of all-women police stations across the state. This pioneering move provided women with a safe space to report crimes and empowered women officers to take on leadership roles within the police force. These stations became sanctuaries where women, both victims and enforcers, found strength and a voice.
Jayalalithaa’s initiative wasn’t just about addressing crimes against women; it was about shattering the glass ceiling in a male-dominated field. She envisioned a police force where women could lead with authority and decisiveness. Sadly, despite these strides, many women in police departments today find themselves relegated to bandobast duties, often missing out on the diverse roles they are capable of performing.
Breaking Stereotypes
Elon Musk, questioned the physical stature of the female agent who protected Trump, insinuating that her size made her ill-suited for the job. But as Major Deeksha C. Mudadevannanavar, the first woman officer in the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment, would argue, “The agent wasn’t chosen for her physique but for her proficiency.”
For elite security forces, it’s the mental fortitude, integrity, and quick decision-making that truly matter. “Women excel in these attributes,” Major Deeksha explains, emphasizing that while physical fitness is crucial, it is only one part of the equation. “In Trump’s case, despite being surrounded by male bodyguards, it was the female agent who acted first. Her response wasn’t about being the strongest; it was about having the presence of mind and the courage to act.”
Empowering Minds
Senior IPS officer Bhavna Saxena, currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, echoes this sentiment. “In VIP protection, it’s a combination of physical and mental strength, agility, sharp observation skills, and quick reflexes that count. Size may contribute to the optics, but the real skill lies in the mind.”
Colonel Dr. Saji Abraham, stationed at HQ Army Naval Base in Kochi, brings in the military perspective with the term “Troops to Task.” “Gender isn’t important. The right person for the right job is what matters,” he says. In Trump’s case, the agent’s training, mental agility, and quick response were what made her effective, not her size.
In the face of adversity and skepticism, these fearless women continue to rise. Whether it’s a Secret Service agent shielding the President, women in the immediate security ring of India’s President Draupadi Murmu, or an Indian Army officer breaking into elite forces, their stories are a testament to the power of courage, skill, and determination. Their legacy is not just one of protection but of breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be fearless.
Trump Defends USSS agent
“Every one of them – there wasn’t one that was slow. A woman who was on my right, she was shielding me. Beautiful person – she was shielding me, everything she could. You know, she wasn’t tall enough. Because I’m tall, and she wasn’t tall enough. And she was criticized – she was so brave, she was shielding me with everything, she wanted to take a bullet, because the bullets were flying.
The agent wasn’t chosen for her physique but for her proficiency. For elite groups like the Secret Service, says Major Deeksha, mental strength, bravery, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and teamwork are the crucial aspects. “Women are better in these attributes — Major Deeksha C. Mudadevannanavar, 1st woman officer, Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment
In VIP protection, it’s a combination of physical and mental strength, agility, sharp observation skills, and quick reflexes that count.” — Bhavna Saxena, Senior IPS officer, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
Tough Taskmasters
“Merit and physical fitness are the cornerstones that propel women into serious law enforcement roles. I've been fortunate to have been given opportunities where my abilities were tested and proven. Under my watch, I've tackled rowdyism with an iron fist, demonstrating that women can be as tough and effective as any of our counterparts when it comes to maintaining law and order.” — Ramya Bharti, IPS DDG , Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
‘Guarding Cheetos’
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, slammed Kimberley Cheatle, the Secret Service Chief in charge of ensuring Trump's safety, accusing her of guarding Cheetos. Musk had said, “Having a small person as body cover for a large man is like an undersized Speedo at the beach – doesn’t cover the subject. Could be a man or a woman, to be clear, just needs to be large enough to do the job.”
Equal Spaces
“The police department has evolved to make equal space for both men and women. Women bring a unique blend of empowerment and empathy, making them invaluable members of our law enforcement teams. Their ability to work under high pressure with resilience and compassion truly enhances our collective strength.” — IPS Pawan Reddy
Women of Steel Subashini Sankaran was posted as the head of Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal’s security detail in 2016.
Gender isn’t important. The right person for the right job is what matters." — Colonel Dr. Saji Abraham, HQ Army Naval Base in Kochi
