International Women's Day 2022

When looking at this year’s IWD theme of #BreakThe Bias, we reflect on the history and journey women have undertaken within the Defence Force – from standing on the side lines to serving on the front line – and what this means for the women at Mates4Mates who have served our country.

A brief history

In today’s Australian Defence Force (ADF), women work in over 200 roles, with equal training, salaries and opportunities as men. However, this wasn’t always the case.

While women have served in the Australian armed forces since 1899, they were restricted to the Australian Army Nursing Service, caring for patients in military clinics and hospitals near battlefields and on ships and trains, until the Second World War.

When the Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was initiated in 1940, this included training for women on air raids and basic military drills, first aid, shooting, signalling, and mechanics, demonstrating that women were capable of filling roles traditionally only available to men.

With a need to release male personnel serving in Australia for service overseas and facing a severe manpower shortage, Australian women were allowed to serve in home-based military organisations. Female branches of the Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy were then formed in 1941-1942.

Although these female branches disbanded at the end of World War II in 1945, they were re-established in the 1950s, before female personnel were completely absorbed into the mainstream forces by the 1980s.

While military chiefs established a committee to explore opportunities for increased female participation in the mid-1970s, with equal pay achieved for women in the services in 1979, the 1984 Sex Discrimination Act granted an exemption to the ADF to support the exclusion of women from combat.

By the end of 1992, the Australian Government announced women could serve in all Army, Navy and Air Force units, except direct combat units. In 2011, however, the Federal Government removed this gender restriction from ADF combat roles, with Special Forces opening to women currently serving with the ADF in 2014.

Mates4Mates staff reflections

At Mates4Mates, our team is made up of a range of men and women who have served across all areas of the Defence Force. Their experiences help veterans, and those who are currently serving, who have been impacted by their service.

On International Women’s Day, they reflect on what a day like today means to them:

“To me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women.”
– Regional Manager

“It demonstrates the work and achievements of so many towards breaking down the barriers and making change to accepted culture to improve the treatment of women. The day also recognises the achievements of previous and current ambassadors for women’s rights and is an empowering reminder for all women to value their worth.”
– Liaison Officer

“I believe it is a day to celebrate the strength and resilience of women around the world. It highlights the need for equity and inclusivity, and the need for change to the narrative surrounding social norms and limiting belief systems.”
– Liaison Officer

Transitioning out of the ADF can be challenging for some. For those women who are transitioning out into civilian life, or who perhaps has a partner who may be transitioning, the team had this advice:

“Find an ex-serving organisation or group that you are comfortable with. Military service provides mateship and comradery, and this may be lost when re-entering civilian life. The continued connection with a like-minded community can help to maintain your pride from service and provide immediate links to information and support when needed.”
– Liaison Officer

“Take it a day at a time and breathe. Take time out to do the things you love, with the people you adore, and prioritise yourself and your happiness.”
– Liaison Officer

Women currently serving

In 2021, the rate of women in the ADF reached 19.7% – an increase from 19.2% in 2020. Defence has identified targets to be reached by 2023 for female representation, including 15% for Army and 25% for Navy and Air Force.

As of 30 June 2021, both Army and Air Force have achieved their targets, with 15.1% and 25.4%, respectively. Navy is improving, with 23% female representation.

We have seen a 36% increase in females accessing Mates4Mates services over the last 12 months – an indicator of more women joining and then transitioning out of the Defence Force.

Mates4Mates provides support services to current and ex-serving Defence members, and their families experiencing service-related physical injuries, mental health issues and isolation. Take the first step to getting help by calling us today on 1300 4MATES.