With Women’s Health Week currently shining a spotlight on the wellbeing of women across Australia, it’s vital we include the voices and experiences of a group often overlooked: women veterans.
Women now make up over 13 per cent of Australia’s veteran community (DVA, 2023) and more than 20 per cent of current ADF personnel (ADF, 2024). Yet, many do not identify as veterans after service due to perceptions of stigma, invisibility in veteran spaces and a lack of recognition.
This silence has real consequences for their health, wellbeing and access to support. So, what really matters for Australian women veterans? And how can we better support their health journeys, during and after service?
Mental Health and Trauma: A Hidden Battle
According to Provocatus’ Psychologist, Beth Masling, mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing women veterans.
“Research shows women veterans are more likely to experience PTSD, depression and anxiety compared with their male counterparts,” she said.
“The reasons are complex; ranging from combat exposure and physical injury, to bullying, harassment and military sexual trauma (MST), which remain persistent and under-addressed issues.”
“Alarmingly, ex-serving women discharged for medical reasons are over five times more likely to die by suicide than those discharged voluntarily (DVA, 2024). Women veterans are more than twice as likely to die from suicide than female civilians (AIHW, 2024).”
These statistics are not just numbers, they’re a call to action.
Reproductive and Gender-Specific Health: A Gap in the System
Despite their growing numbers, women veterans often struggle to access gender-sensitive healthcare. Many report that services are designed with male veterans in mind, leaving gaps in areas like:
- Reproductive and gynaecological care
- Pregnancy and postnatal support
- Menopause and hormonal health.
These gaps can lead to delayed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and a deep sense of being unseen in the system that is meant to support them.
Transition and Identity: More Than a Uniform
Leaving a defence career is a major life transition and for women, it often comes with unique identity challenges.
Many juggle caregiving roles, career changes and a loss of connection to their service identity. Some feel excluded from traditional veteran spaces, which are still perceived as male dominated.
This sense of disconnection can make it harder to seek help, find community or even recognise oneself as a veteran.
What Women Veterans Are Asking For
Women veterans know what they need:
- Safe, inclusive spaces to share their stories
- Trauma-informed, gender-sensitive care
- Recognition of caregiving roles and flexible service models
- Better education on military culture and MST for civilian providers.
A New Chapter: Policy and Progress
There’s hope on the horizon. The Women Veterans 2025 Baseline Report and the Women Veterans Policy Forum are helping shape a new national strategy. States like New South Wales are also investing in research to better understand and support women veterans’ wellbeing.
But real change will come when we listen—deeply and consistently—to the women who’ve served.
This Women’s Health Week, Here’s How You Can Help
- Amplify their voices: Share stories of women veterans in your networks.
- Promote mental health check-ins: Encourage open conversations and support.
- Advocate for inclusive care: Ask your local health providers about veteran-aware services.
- Celebrate resilience: Honour the strength, service, and stories of women veterans.
Final Thought
Women veterans are more than their service. They are leaders, mothers, carers, professionals and community builders.
This Women’s Health Week, let’s ensure they are seen, heard and supported.
