Addressing the needs of females in the military: The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America kicked off its “Week of the Women Warriors” by releasing a report highlighting the most critical issues facing our female troops and veterans. (Jessica Harbin/MNS)
WASHINGTON — A new campaign is underway to highlight the challenges female troops and veterans face today. On Wednesday the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America kicked off the first ever “Week of Women Warriors.”
“Right now women make up about 11 percent of the forces applied to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff, “but their challenges have really rarely been analyzed and we believe are very much under reported.”
At the centerpiece of the campaign is a new report: “Women Warriors: Supporting She ‘Who Has Borne the Battle.’” The study explores a wide range of issues, including sexual assault and harassment, higher divorce rates, barriers to VA health care and homelessness.
“There’s really some striking information in there and we wanted to put it all together in one place.” Rieckhoff said. “I think most Americans would be really surprised to hear about [some of the issues].”
Rounding out the week, the IAVA’s Web site will feature a new Women Warriors Center, highlighting ways people can support female veterans. In addition, the IAVA will begin a campaign encouraging female veterans to join their “Community of Veterans,” a sort of Iraq and Afghanistan vet-only Facebook.
IAVA staff are hoping this is just the first of what will become an annual week to honor and advocate for female troops and veterans.