International Women’s Day: Defence Committee to hold women in the Armed Forces session

The Defence Committee will hold a session this month following up on the previous Committee’s work on women in the Armed Forces. Details of the session will be announced shortly. 

In July 2021 the predecessor Committee published a report “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life”. The report found that the Ministry of Defence and Armed Services were failing to protect female personnel and support servicewomen to achieve their full potential.  

The Government response to the report agreed to the majority of the Committee’s recommendations.  

In this Parliament, the Defence Committee agreed to continue follow-up work on women in the Armed Forces.

Chair comment 

Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said: 

“It is absolutely critical that we continue to scrutinise the Government’s efforts to improve the experiences of women in the Armed Forces.  

“We felt it was only right that we picked up this work from the previous Parliament. The Government agreed to the majority of the recommendations made by the predecessor Committee – this session will help us understand whether enough work is being carried out to improve women’s treatment and their experiences of service.  

“Recent high-profile cases and reporting have shone a light on just how extreme the challenges that women face while serving are. Gunner Jaysley Beck’s shocking case is just one example of the unacceptable treatment faced by women who have served in the Armed Forces, and which the Government should be making every effort to eradicate.  

“Women make vital contributions to the safety and security of our country, and I am committed to returning to this policy area throughout the Committee’s work” 

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: MOD