First Published: The Mandarin 7 Mar, 2025
This International Women’s Day, we are reminded that progress is not inevitable. It is fought for, step by step, voice by voice.
The theme for 2025, Keep Marching Forward, resonates deeply, especially for women veterans, who continue to push for equity, respect, and systemic change in the wake of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The commission has exposed long-standing cultural and structural barriers that have disproportionately affected women in service.
Now, more than ever, we must ensure that this moment results in meaningful reform, not just rhetoric. The fight for women veterans’ rights is ongoing, and we must continue to march forward in unison.
The findings of the royal commission have once again exposed deeply rooted issues, including gender-based discrimination, alarming levels of sexual trauma and lack of career progression. These systemic challenges, including holding perpetrators of unacceptable behavior accountable, have contributed to poor mental health outcomes for many women in Defence.
While progress has been made in integrating women into all roles, cultural and institutional barriers remain entrenched. The path forward is clear: we must march purposefully, ensuring that women’s lived experiences in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) inform the policies and programs shaping the future force. Only through this commitment can we ensure a truly inclusive and supportive environment for all who serve.
However, our momentum does not exist in isolation. Globally, we are witnessing a concerning backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, particularly in the United States, where these programs are being dismantled at an alarming rate.
This rollback should serve as a stark reminder that progress is fragile. When voices advocating for equity are silenced, when policies ensuring inclusion are reversed, the ripple effect extends far beyond national borders.
Australia must take heed of these developments and remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality in Defence. Now, more than ever, we must safeguard our gains and continue to push for meaningful change.
It is no longer enough to simply march; we must also march with our microphones. The power of storytelling, advocacy, and persistent dialogue cannot be overstated.
Women in the ADF, both past and present, must continue to share their experiences – whether through formal testimonies, research, or public platforms, to ensure that their voices shape the policies designed to support them. Silence breeds stagnation; speaking up drives change. Equally important, we need men to actively create space for women, ensuring that every effort is made to support women’s inclusion across all facets of service and in the broader community. This collective commitment to advocacy and inclusion is the path forward to lasting change.
This International Women’s Day, we reaffirm that progress in Defence requires a sustained commitment to gender-informed leadership, accountability in implementing reforms, and unwavering support for those challenging the status quo.
It is not just about the women who serve today but about those who will follow. The next generation of women in uniform deserve a military where equality is the standard, not the exception. To value their service and pave the way for future leaders, we must ensure that the policies and culture of today create a foundation of equality and respect for those who will wear the uniform tomorrow.
We can’t afford to go backwards. The time to march is now, and we must do so with urgency and strength, ensuring that the voices of women in Defence are not just heard, but also drive the change necessary to build a stronger, more inclusive ADF.
Let’s keep marching forward, with purpose, conviction, and our microphones turned up. This is the moment to push for lasting transformation, one in which women’s contributions and experiences are central to shaping the future of our military.