Why Are Female Veterans Often Overlooked?

Female veterans bring invaluable experiences and contributions to our communities, yet they often go unnoticed. It’s essential to acknowledge their distinct challenges and ensure their voices are heard.  By examining data, addressing biases, and shifting societal perceptions, we can shed light on the experiences of female veterans and celebrate their service. With increased awareness and effort, we can ensure that these remarkable women receive the acknowledgment they genuinely deserve.

The Statistics: Female Veterans and Their Data

Women constitute approximately 11-12% of the overall veteran population in the United States, a percentage that is on the rise. Exciting news!  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that nearly 2 million women veterans will comprise an inspiring 18% of the veteran population by 2040. In veteran environments that are mostly geared toward men, many female veterans have reported feeling as though they are being ignored.

Research indicates that around 1 in 4 women veterans experience military sexual trauma (MST), which significantly impacts both their physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, female veterans are confronted with an elevated risk of homelessness in comparison to their male counterparts and may experience challenges in obtaining vital healthcare services.

Systemic Bias in Veteran Services and Recognition

Healthcare Inequities

Many VA facilities were initially designed to serve predominantly male veterans. This has resulted in:

• Limited access to women-specific health services, such as gynecological care and maternity support.

• A shortage of female healthcare providers affects the comfort and willingness of women veterans to seek care.

  
  

• Insufficient screening and treatment options for conditions that disproportionately affect women, including MST and reproductive health issues.

  
  

Institutional Neglect

Policies and programs historically tend to overlook the unique needs of women veterans. For example:

• Veteran benefit claims are often processed based on male service experiences, making it challenging for women to receive compensation or recognition for injuries sustained.

  
  

• Female veterans often experience higher rates of claim denials or longer wait times.

  
  

• Public outreach and ceremonies frequently highlight male service members, which can lead to the sidelining of women’s contributions.

Cultural and Social Barriers

Stereotypes about the appearance of veterans often exclude women, creating a perception of erasure. Numerous women veterans indicate that they are often misidentified as spouses or caregivers rather than as service members.  Additionally, a lack of female representation in veteran leadership and advocacy roles contributes to the ongoing invisibility of women in these roles.

Why Does This Issue Persist? 

Historical Male-Dominated Military Culture

For many years, the military has been predominantly male, resulting in a culture that often sidelines women’s voices and experiences. Change in systems, policies, and attitudes built around a specific demographic can be slow.

Insufficient Awareness and Education

Public and specific segments of the veteran services community may be unaware of the increasing number and particular needs of women veterans. When awareness is lacking, it often results in a shortage of resources, personalized care that falls short of meeting needs, and a missed opportunity for public recognition.  This can create a ripple effect, impacting not just individuals but entire communities.

Underreporting and Stigma

Many women veterans choose to remain silent about their experiences of harassment or trauma, leading to underreported data and diminished visibility. This silence contributes to ongoing neglect.

Moving Toward Visibility and Equity

The increasing number of female veterans necessitates a shift in how society and veteran services operate:

• Healthcare systems should expand and adapt to address the comprehensive health needs of women veterans.

  
  

• Public and private organizations should include women veterans in leadership roles to ensure their perspectives influence policy and program development.

  
  

• Awareness campaigns should focus on challenging stereotypes and highlighting the stories of women veterans.

  
  

• Allies and advocates should support initiatives tailored to the needs of women veterans by amplifying their voices.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Female veterans constitute a notable and expanding portion of the veteran population.

Addressing the systemic biases and cultural barriers that contribute to their invisibility is crucial. By recognizing their distinct challenges and roles, steps can be taken toward creating a more equitable and inclusive system that respects all who serve.