Let's Talk: Women in the Armed Forces

When
July 08, 2025 at 8:00pm - 9:15pm
Where
via Zoom
Contact
Rhiannon and Jane

LWN Let's Talk graphic

Join us for our July 'Let's Talk: Women in the Armed Forces' on Tuesday, 8th July from 8pm till 9.15pm.

Guest speakers include:

🌹 Emma Lewell, Labour MP for South Shields and Member of the Defence Select Committee,
🌹 Louise Jones, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire and former Officer in the British Army,
🌹 Sophy Antrobus, who served in the RAF for twenty years including in Iraq and Afghanistan, 
🌹 Alex Fawbert, who served as an Intelligence and Security operative and WRAC Officer in the British Army, and
🌹 Baroness Thangam Debbonaire, will chair the event

The role of women in the UK armed forces has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from auxiliary and support functions to full integration across nearly all military roles. 

This evolution reflects changing social attitudes, legal reforms, and an understanding that a diverse workforce which includes women, enhances military effectiveness. Meaningful progress is underway, but it has not all been plain sailing. Breaking down cultural and institutional barriers, changing hearts and minds, takes time. 

Issues of bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse of women (and women and men of colour) are well-documented. Our panel will look at the impact of previous and new measures on delivering meaningful and enduring change.

What will be the impact of recently announced measures such as the establishment of a Tri-Service complaints unit to handle serious complaints with greater independence, outside the single-service chain of command, and the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Taskforce created to drive cultural change. Has the focus on gender-specific health needs (such as Menopause and Breastfeeding policies, menstruation disposal bags, and a Servicewomen's Health Handbook) or the development of appropriate uniform and equipment delivered tangible advancements over the last 3 years.
Please join us and our fantastic panel of experts to hear first-hand what more can be done to ensure women in our armed forces can play their full role in defending our nation.

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