Celebrating women veterans during Women's History Month

Although women currently comprise of nearly 20% of serving military personnel and 10% of the veteran population, many women veterans do not receive proper recognition for their services and face a host of issues when they re-enter civilian life.

The Council affirmed its support for women veterans and recognized their services and sacrifices they have made towards the nation and the City of Boston by adopting a resolution recognizing women veterans during Women’s History Month.

Despite serving nine million enrolled veterans annually, the Department of Veteran Affairs does not have medical facilities that provide necessary and adequate care for women veterans, particularly with issues related to mental illness. These medical providers instead refer them to providers in the community.

It is found that 25 percent of women veterans experience Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during military service, putting them at increased risk for depression, substance abuse and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some women veterans also do not reach out for services due to anxiety of having to return to a military-related environment and it is found that women veterans are twice more likely to commit suicide than their male counterparts.

“It is important that we highlight the amount of women that serve, defend at very intense levels and die for our country… The fact is, after serving this country and giving all that you can when this country doesn’t recognize or see you as a veteran, it hurts in a special way,” said Councilor Edwards whose mother is a veteran.

In Massachusetts, the Women’s Veterans Network of the Department of Veterans’ Services was established in 1997 with the vision of being the central source for women veterans in Massachusetts. They meet regularly to discuss concerns facing women veterans and provide them with information and support.