In a progressive move towards inclusivity, the Indian Army’s welfare body AWWA has officially rebranded itself as the Army Women’s Welfare Association. Previously known as the Army Wives Welfare Association, the name change marks a significant step in expanding the organisation’s scope and outreach.

Established in 1966 and registered with the Registrar of Societies, Delhi Administration, AWWA has long described itself as the “invisible hand that shapes the punch of the Indian Army.” The renaming, which took effect on April 2, reflects the evolving social fabric of Army families and aims to accommodate a broader demographic beyond just the wives of serving personnel.

A senior Army source, speaking to The Statesman, explained the rationale behind the change:

“Earlier, AWWA was often perceived as a platform only for the wives and daughters of serving Army personnel. The new identity includes spouses and dependents of both serving and retired personnel, as well as veterans and veer naaris (war widows).”

The rebranded AWWA now also extends support to unmarried or divorced daughters, and mothers of unmarried serving or retired personnel—including those who were martyred in action.

The association has already updated its name across social media platforms, including Twitter and Instagram.

According to AWWA’s official website,

“The welfare of troops remains a top priority in the Indian Army. A soldier performs best knowing his family is supported. AWWA’s mission is to complement the Army’s welfare efforts, focusing on the families, children, and widows of all ranks—including retired personnel.”

Recently, AWWA President Sunita Dwivedi, wife of Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, met with President Droupadi Murmu alongside regional AWWA presidents. During the meeting, President Murmu was briefed on various initiatives supporting veer naaris, widows, veterans, and children with special needs.

Discussions also touched on expanding outreach to women in remote and underserved areas, with regional heads presenting new projects centered on skill development, women’s empowerment, and education.

The Indian Army’s move mirrors a similar step by the Navy in 2022, when the Navy Wives Welfare Association rebranded itself as the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association, further indicating a growing trend toward inclusive and gender-sensitive welfare structures within the Armed Forces.