7 Ways to Support Women Veterans Today

Because “Thank You for Your Service” Is Just the Beginning

Women have served in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War—yet they’re still sidelined in the veteran narrative. Today, women make up about 10% of the veteran population. Too often, their service is invisible, their sacrifices ignored, and their struggles overlooked. If we genuinely want to honor and uplift our veterans, we must do better by the women who wore the uniform.

This isn’t about charity—it’s about equity, dignity, and justice.

With this in mind, here are seven fundamental, actionable ways you can support women veterans right now—whether you’re an ally, advocate, or fellow vet.

1.  Believe Their Story, Even If It Makes You Uncomfortable

Too many women vets are dismissed, talked over, or not believed. They’re questioned at VA clinics. Ignored in veteran circles. Treated like they were “just admin” or “didn’t serve.”

Start by listening. If a woman veteran shares her story—especially one about trauma, discrimination, or harassment—don’t downplay it. Don’t question her rank, role, or experiences. Validate her pain.  Having the strength to speak up in a culture that frequently silences is a difficult task.

2.  Amplify Their Voices, Not Just Their Pain

Women veterans are not only survivors—they’re leaders, thinkers, business owners, artists, parents, and changemakers. Share their books, promote their businesses, support their nonprofits, and invite them to speak on panels where they’re often left out.

Representation matters. Let them be seen in strength, not just suffering.

3.  Challenge the “Default Male” Image of a Veteran

The world still assumes “veteran” means “male.” Even in advertising, media, and support groups, the face of a vet is often a man in combat boots. This erasure leads to women not getting help, recognition, or even discounts they’ve earned.

Use your voice to correct assumptions—both online and in conversations, as well as within organizations—language matters. Representation saves lives.

4.  Advocate for Better VA Services for Women

Many VA hospitals are not fully equipped for women’s healthcare needs, both physically and psychologically. Nearly one in four women veterans report not feeling safe at VA facilities, and there’s often a lack of trauma-informed gynecological care, safe housing, and mental health services specifically tailored to women vets.

Demand change. Write to your representatives. Donate to orgs doing the work. Push for trauma-sensitive, women-specific care at every level.

5.  Stop Sexualizing Women in Uniform

Despite the fact that this one ought to be evident, it is still occurring. It is much too common for women to be evaluated based on their appearance rather than their capabilities. This can range from sexist comments made on social media to harassment in the workplace.

Respect them as warriors. Period. They didn’t put on the uniform for your opinion—they put it on for their country. Let them wear it with pride, not fear.

6.  Create Safe Spaces—Not Just Co-Ed Spaces

Sometimes, women vets don’t feel safe or seen in mixed-gender support groups. They may have PTSD tied to male-dominated military environments, or they may simply crave shared understanding.

Support or organize women-only circles, retreats, or spaces where healing can be centered on their unique experiences and needs. Don’t take offense—take action.

7.  Ask How You Can Help—Then Actually Show Up

Don’t assume you know what a woman veteran needs. Ask her. Maybe it’s help navigating VA paperwork. Perhaps it’s childcare so she can attend appointments. Maybe it’s just someone who won’t make her prove she served.

Then act. Support isn’t passive—it’s participation.

💥 Raw Truth: Gratitude Without Action Is Just Noise

Saying “thank you for your service” means nothing if we let women veterans suffer in silence, live on the streets—the homeless rate for women veterans has nearly doubled in recent years—or walk into VA clinics that aren’t safe or equipped for them.

The true honor lies in action: unlearn, listen, support, show up—starting now.

If you’ve benefited from their service, act now—find a tangible way to serve these women today.

🔗 Resources to Start With:

• Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) – https://www.servicewomen.org

• National Women Veterans United (NWVU) – https://nwvu.org

• Final Salute Inc. – https://www.finalsaluteinc.org

• VA Women Veterans Program – https://www.womenshealth.va.gov

Want to honor women veterans truly?

Start here. Take real action.

Stay present. Be loud for them.