International Women’s Day: Wrexham’s MP champions women in the UK Armed Forces and veterans

On International Women’s Day 2024, Wrexham’s Member of Parliament, Sarah Atherton MP is paying tribute to and reflecting on the progress and challenges faced by women in the UK Armed Forces.

Ms Atherton is the only sitting female MP on record to have had regular military experience, a member of the Defence Select Committee and is the first female Welsh Conservative MP.

In 2021, Ms Atherton chaired a Defence Select Committee inquiry into the lived experiences of women in the military – ‘Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life’.

After 18 months, 4,200 pieces of evidence, and testimonials from 10 per cent of women serving in the military, the committee produced a 100-page report which outlined the problems women face in the military.

Ms Atherton heard accounts of kit which doesn’t fit the female form properly thus compromising personal safety and operational effectiveness; helmets (made for men) which sit too low, and body armour that rides up when women are crouched in a shooting position.

She also heard accounts of bullying, intimidation, sexual abuse, and even rape.

Collecting this type of evidence – first-hand accounts from serving women – had never been allowed before.

The Ministry of Defence accepted nearly all of the inquiry’s recommendations and in some cases, they went even further: including removing the chain of command from complaints of a sexual nature, the Zero Tolerance policy, setting up a Defence Serious Crimes Unit with a victim support unit and the introduction of female-specific uniforms.

Beyond the report, Ms Atherton works very closely with Veterans’ charities, such as Forward Assist and Salute Her UK, the first female-only Veterans Charity for which Ms Atherton is a Patron.

In addition, Ms Atherton has advocated for greater recognition and celebration of the contributions of women veterans.

As the Chair of the advisory group for the Office for Veterans Affairs first Women Veterans’ Strategy, Ms Atherton is helping that the experiences of women veterans are understood and championed. The strategy is set to be released shortly.

Locally, Ms Atherton continues to showcase Wrexham’s military footprint and defence businesses, such as Tritech. Last month, Ms Atherton welcomed the Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP, to Wrexham’s Hightown Barracks. Ms Atherton is also passionate about supporting local veterans’ groups.

Sarah Atherton MP commented: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day and as a veteran, it is a fitting time to reflect on the progress and challenges faced by women in our Armed Forces.

“While there has been a significant increase in the inclusion of women in various roles, from combat to command positions, obstacles such as gender bias and limited opportunities persist.

“Day in, and day out, women continue to demonstrate their competence, dedication, and resilience, challenging the military’s traditional gender norms.

“Although the Ministry of Defence still has progress to make in addressing inappropriate behaviours, significant strides have been taken since I led the ‘Protecting those who protect us’ report.

“Initiatives like the Zero Tolerance Policy and the roll out of wrap around childcare signify tangible progress.

“As I remain closely involved with Veteran’s charities and chair of the advisory board for the UK’s first Women’s Veterans Strategy, I am committed to amplifying the voices of serving women and women veterans.

“Let us use this day to reaffirm our commitment to empowering and recognising the contributions of women in the military, women veterans, their families, and beyond.”