Round Up: International Women's Day
As part of our Women in Defence theme, Hannah West rounds up a series of events, podcasts, and resources focused on International Women's Day from across our community.
War is often considered the domain of men, but what of the women throughout history who have chosen to make a stand and become warriors? This podcast series launched by the Royal Armouries challenges the misconception that women have been absent from the frontlines of history. The episodes dive into the unique and fascinating lives of five women, exploring their roles as spies, diplomats, leaders, rebels, and soldiers. With the assistance of expert analysis, they uncover their struggles and triumphs, their personal tragedies and favoured weapons, and find out what it truly means to be a warrior.
The podcasts are hosted by Anna Ward, part of the Exhibitions team at the Royal Armouries. The series features Lakshmi Bai, Vera Leigh, Hannah Snell, Lyudmila Pavlichenko and Nakano Takeko. You can listen to them here.
The Centre for Military Women's Research launched a series of posts sharing the stories of military-connected women. From Dame Kelly Holmes to Lt Col Charity Adams-Earley, and from Sophie Scholl to Lady Peggie Templer we think you will find them an interesting read. Click on the Dame Kelly Holmes post to read that one and find the others.
The Female Veterans Transformation Programme launched their two new infographics as part of their work to transform service provision for female veterans across the statutory, charity and commercial sector. Click on the Person Centred Approach checklist to visit their website where you will also see their communications guidance checklist.
Forces Children’s Education marked IWD by highlighting a trailblazer from the Forces community who continues to inspire. Natalie Cutler served as a radio operator in the Women’s Royal Naval Service from 1977 to 1981, predominantly in Naval Intelligence roles.
Today, Natalie is the Secretary and a member of the Board of Trustees at the Lothian Veterans Centre, supporting its mission to offer a safe and welcoming environment providing immediate assistance, support and guidance on various services such as health and wellbeing, housing, employment, benefits, pensions, further education and training and access to health services. You can read more about Natalie here.
If you are not aware of the work of the charity, Salute Her, they are the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting servicewomen and female veterans. This is their mission:
'Women in the Armed Forces, Veterans and Women At Sea in the United Kingdom are an invisible, marginalised and frequently ignored population within the community.
Salute Her UK is a strong voice advocating for a holistic, compassionate continuum of services, treatment and care for our women in the Armed Forces, Veterans, Women At Sea, families, care givers and care providers.'
They have launched this amazing creative hub showcasing artwork made by women from the three services and seafaring community to share their amazing talent and to empower and celebrate women. Check out their gallery through which they seek to raise awareness, speak out, find each other, share experiences, unite voices and demand change through creativity.
