Examining Gender Discrimination in the Military Worldwide: A Comparative Study of Female Service Members' Experiences

by

by : 
Candy W

Summary

Women in militaries worldwide face prejudice, not enemies, as their greatest challenge. Despite having equal skill and dedication, they encounter obstacles men don’t. Why do these inequalities persist in institutions built on honor and patriotism? Studies indicate that gender-based discrimination disproportionately impacts women, with female service members facing barriers to career progression, higher risks of mental health problems, and lower retention rates (MacDonald et al., 2020). Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2022) suggests that 1 in 3 veteran women report experiencing military sexual trauma (MST) to their VA healthcare provider. Despite advancements in gender equality, women in the military still face challenges such as sexual assaults, harassment, lower promotion rates, and reduced expectations, which impact their effectiveness and the overall preparedness of military units (Smith, 2024). This study will interview a therapist specializing in gender-based trauma at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center to understand professionals' experiences with affected veterans, while ensuring privacy. It will also compare global military gender discrimination, focusing on countries like Israel, China, the UK, and India, using academic studies and credible reports to identify patterns and solutions.