As we celebrate International Women’s Day and watch Women’s History Month unfold, we’d like to take this opportunity to recognise the remarkable women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. Their contributions, often overlooked in historical narratives, have been essential to military success throughout history.
Women’s History Month provides an important platform to celebrate the achievements of women across all sectors of society, including the military. For centuries, women have played crucial roles in armed conflicts, often without formal recognition.
Their stories are more than overcoming barriers in a traditionally male-dominated environment, though the significance of this should not be forgotten. They are about commitment to service, exceptional bravery, and unwavering dedication to protecting their country and its values.
The History of Women in the Military
The Early Years
Long before women were officially permitted to join the military, they found ways to contribute to war efforts.
During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole revolutionised battlefield medicine. In both World Wars, women served as nurses, ambulance drivers, and in auxiliary roles that were essential to military operations.
Some women even disguised themselves as men to fight alongside their male counterparts. During the 1639-51 civil wars of Britain, so many women disguised themselves as men to fight that King Charles I issued a proclamation banning women from wearing men’s military clothing!
One famous example of this was Hannah Snell, who, in the 18th century dressed as a man to join the Royal Marines, serving for years before revealing the truth about her gender.
Official Integration
In the UK, women’s formal entry into the military began with the formation of organisations like the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) during World War I.
The giant toll that the Battle of the Somme took on the Army’s numbers led to High Command considering, and eventually allowing, women to take up support roles so that men could be placed in combat roles instead.
By the end of the war, over 100,000 women had enlisted in the WAAC, and in recognition of all they achieved, Queen Mary gave her name to the WAAC, which became the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps.
During World War II, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) allowed women to serve in various non-combat roles. Queen Elizabeth II herself was a member of the ATS, training as a driver and mechanic.
The women’s services were integrated into the regular armed forces in 1949, but with significant restrictions on their roles. The 1990s saw the removal of many barriers, with women serving on Royal Navy ships for the first time.
By 2018, all combat roles were finally opened to women, marking a milestone in the journey toward equality in the military.
The Role of Women on the Front Line
Historical Contributions
Throughout military history, women have made crucial contributions despite restrictions on their service. During World War II, women like Odette Sansom and Violette Szabo served in the Special Operations Executive, undertaking dangerous missions in occupied Europe. The codebreakers at Bletchley Park, many of whom were women, played a vital role in the Allied victory.
In the air, the women of the Air Transport Auxiliary delivered over 309,000 aircraft during World War II, flying everything from Spitfires to bombers, often without radios or navigation aids.
Modern-Day Frontline Roles
Today, women serve across all branches of the UK armed forces in almost every capacity. In 2024, women comprised approximately 11% of the UK’s regular forces. We see women as fighter pilots, submariners, infantry soldiers, and in the Special Forces.
Flight Lieutenant Nikki Thomas became one of the first female RAF pilots to fly combat missions over Iraq and Syria. Army Officer Captain Rosie Wild became the first woman to pass the gruelling All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection course—the gateway to joining the Parachute Regiment—showing that to this day, physical barriers continue to be broken.
Women Veterans: Unique Experiences and Challenges
Women veterans face distinct challenges when transitioning to civilian life. Their service experiences often differ from their male counterparts, shaped by being part of a minority group within the military.
Many women veterans report feeling “invisible” in civilian society, with their service frequently questioned or minimised. The common assumption that veterans are male means women often need to repeatedly explain their service history when accessing support services.
Research suggests women veterans experience higher rates of military sexual trauma and face unique health challenges, yet they often encounter healthcare systems that are not designed with their needs in mind. Additionally, they frequently balance family responsibilities alongside their transition challenges, with limited support structures in place to help.
Women veterans in the justice system face a particularly complex set of circumstances.
Often, their military background goes unrecognised during processing, resulting in missed opportunities for specialised support. The combination of trauma from service, transition difficulties, and gender-specific challenges creates situations where women veterans may not receive appropriate interventions before reaching a crisis point.
The Challenges Women in the Military Still Face
Gender Inequality
Despite significant progress, women in the military still face systemic challenges. Promotion rates for women lag behind those of their male counterparts, particularly at senior ranks. Women remain under-represented in leadership positions, with only a small percentage reaching the highest ranks.
A 2021 report by the UK Defence Committee highlighted ongoing issues with uniforms and equipment designed primarily for male bodies, sometimes compromising women’s safety and effectiveness on operations.
Cultural Barriers
The traditionally masculine culture of the military presents ongoing challenges. Women report having to constantly prove themselves and their abilities, facing scepticism about their capabilities, particularly in combat roles.
Mental Health and Support
Women veterans face unique mental health challenges. Studies suggest they may be more likely to experience depression and anxiety following service yet are less likely to seek support through traditional veterans’ services.
Organisations like Care after Combat recognise these differences and strive to provide appropriate, gender-informed support to women veterans, especially those involved in the justice system. Understanding the complex interplay between service experiences, gender, and transition challenges is essential for effective support.
Women’s Evolving Role in the Military
Expanding Opportunities for Women
Recent years have seen significant policy changes opening all military roles to women. Since 2018, women have been able to serve in close combat units, including the Royal Marines Commandos, the Royal Armoured Corps, and the Infantry.
The removal of these barriers represents not just policy change but a cultural shift to the belief that capability, not gender, should determine military roles.
Empowering the Next Generation
The armed forces now actively recruit women through targeted campaigns that challenge stereotypes and highlight opportunities for career development. Mentoring programs and networking groups provide support for women within the services.
Organisations like the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust offer grants to support the education and training of women in the naval services, investing in the next generation of female military leaders.
How Care After Combat Supports Women Veterans
Our approach is tailored to address the specific needs of women veterans, acknowledging that women often face different pathways into the justice system and require gender-informed support for successful rehabilitation.
Our mentoring programs connect women veterans with trained mentors who understand their unique experiences. These mentors provide crucial support during the challenging transition from custody back to civilian life.
We work with partner organisations to ensure women veterans can access appropriate housing, healthcare, and employment support. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to create comprehensive support networks that address the complex needs of women leaving the justice system.
Our advocacy work also raises awareness of the specific challenges women veterans face, promoting systemic changes to better understand and support this often-overlooked group.
If you or someone you know is a woman veteran in need of support, please contact us to learn more about our services.
Conclusion
The story of women in the armed forces is one of continuous progress against significant odds. From informal roles in early conflicts to today’s combat positions, women have consistently demonstrated their value to military operations.
As we celebrate both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we honour these contributions while acknowledging that the journey toward full equality continues. The challenges women face in service and as veterans require ongoing attention and dedicated support.
Care after Combat remains committed to supporting women veterans through the challenges of the justice system and beyond. By deepening our understanding of the unique experiences that women veterans have and providing appropriate support, we can help ensure their service is honoured not just during Women’s History Month but always.
Together, we can create a future where all veterans, regardless of gender, receive the recognition and support they deserve.
