Women are vital to the sustainability of Australia’s Defence Force, particularly as it faces serious recruitment challenges. The exclusion of women, especially from combat roles, limits the pool of available talent at a time when the military needs to expand its ranks. Although years of policy reviews and targeted programmes have aimed to boost women’s participation, progress has slowed, with women currently comprising just 20.7% of the ADF.

Barriers to women’s recruitment in defence go beyond policy; they are also shaped by persistent social stereotypes. Public narratives that cast doubt on women’s capabilities in the military contribute to a culture of exclusion and discourage potential female recruits. While internal reforms are necessary, broader cultural shifts are equally important for creating an inclusive and appealing defence force.

The value of women in the ADF is not limited to representation; they bring critical thinking and cultural insight that enhance operational effectiveness. Afghanistan is an example, where women in the military were able to take on roles that male personnel could not. Their presence strengthens not just the defence force’s numbers but also its ability to engage effectively in diverse and complex environments.

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