Data | Women make up only 12% of India's police force

Women's share in the higher ranks (gazetted officers) was even lower at 8.72% as of 2020

Only 12% of the were women as of 2020. While many States have mandated 10% to 33% reservation for women in the police, not one of these States has met its goal. The share of women among the higher ranks was even lower at 8.7%. A significant share of policewomen suffer due to patriarchal prejudices and are considered unfit for on-field tasks. Many stations also lack basic infrastructure such as separate toilets for women. The map shows the share of women in the civil police force in 2020. For instance, in Bihar, 25% of the civil police were women, the highest in the country, while in J&K, only 3.3% were women, which is the lowest. Most States have reserved some posts for women in the police force. The share of reservations ranges from 10% to 33%. Not one of the States, however, has met the goal. Overall only 12% of police force were women.