First Women Veterans’ Strategy Launches

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09 March 2023

The specific challenges faced by women who leave the military are to be considered as part of the UK government’s first-ever Women Veterans’ Strategy.

The strategy will look at the experiences of women veterans, including additional opportunities for support, and accessibility issues. Women veterans have reported facing issues accessing support services, which are often orientated towards men.

Research Shows Women Don’t Identify With the Term “Veteran”

Research from Salute Her UK, a charity which advocates for women veterans, shows that many women do not identify with the term “veteran” and are often overlooked by the public and media when it comes to celebrating or recognising their service, contribution, or sacrifice.

Salute Her UK and Baseline Research interviewed 100 women who shared their lived experience before, during and after military service. 52 per cent of the 100 women interviewed reported they had been sexually assaulted whist serving. Research in the USA also indicated that nearly 12 per cent of women veterans experience PTSD — almost double the rate of their male counterparts.

There are more than 235,000 women in England and Wales who have served in the Armed Forces and this new strategy looks to address any areas where women veterans might be missing out on support.

Tailored mental health support, physical welfare and employment support will be included in the strategy, due to be published in late 2023.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: “Making this country the best place in the world to be a veteran shouldn’t just be something we say, but something we do. In order to deliver this ambition, it’s vital that we listen to women veterans, celebrate their successes, and deliver the support they need. That’s what the new Women Veterans’ Strategy will do.

“To support the strategy, the OVA has commissioned research into the accessibility of services available to women veterans and the experiences of women in interacting with existing support. The research is due to report back this summer, with recommendations being used in the development of the strategy.

“The strategy will also be an opportunity to celebrate the successes of women veterans and the valuable contributions they make to their communities, and to wider society and the economy.”

Picture: a photograph of three people in military uniform, one smiling at the camera. Image Credit: ©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2022

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 09 March 2023

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