In the recent years, many Indian-origin women are overcoming gender barriers to be part of Australian armed forces.
Manjit Kaur is one such woman who overcame many odds to join Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Possibly, she will be the only Sikh woman in the paramedical services in RAAF.
She came to Australia as an international student in 2009. At that time, she had two young daughters.
Manjit told SBS Punjabi the challenges she faced during her journey to join RAAF.
“Everyone has to go through a tough phase in life. It was challenging but still achievable. It was equally tough both mentally and emotionally,” said Mrs Kaur.
“It was made possible with the support from my family. My husband and two teenage daughters, aged 15 and 12, were extremely helpful.
Ms Kaur is very excited to take up her new role. Very soon, she will be posted at one of the RAAF bases to perform the role of a paramedic for air evacuation and nursing services.
Manjit Kaur moved to Australia in 2009 with her husband and two daughters. Source: Supplied
“I always had an urge to join paramedical services in the air force. I had a two-year diploma in community services followed by a diploma in paramedical science and a diploma in nursing from the Royal Air Force in New South Wales,” said Ms Kaur.
“Much of my relevant experience came from my job at a community welfare and disability centre in Brisbane.
“I completed my initial three-month training with RAAF in Wagga Wagga, NSW. It was really tough but it never came to my mind that I made a wrong choice.
“The toughest part was the physical fitness test, which is also called ‘Beep Test’.
“We’re made to go through a war like environment. For five days, our group was thrown into tough surviving conditions in an area with very little food and sleep-deprived conditions. We no shower-bath for those five days.
Ms Kaur’s inspiration to serve the armed forces came from her maternal uncle and late grandfather.
Manjit Kaur with her family in Brisbane Source: Supplied
"Discipline and service to the nation and community are values that have always been dear to me and my family,” said Ms Kaur.
“My grandfather served the British-Indian army in the Second World War. My uncle retired as a Colonel from the Indian Army. They are my heroes and I always wish to follow their footsteps.
Ms Kaur hails from Bhala Saryamalwala village in Ferozepur district of Punjab.
She married Roop Singh Sandhu of Muktsar, Punjab in 2002.
She came to Australia in 2009 with her family and got her permanent residency [PR] in 2013.
Manjit’s message to the community –
“There is nothing women can’t achieve. All you need to have is passion and focus. With dedication and discipline you can achieve what you want.
“When it comes to gender stereotype, the challenges come from the within the community. There will always be a couple of characters who want you to work in a close-door family environment rather than in a job like armed forces. Just don't listen to them."
