Women in the Armed Forces: what progress has been made?

In July 2021 the Committee published a report “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life”, led by Sarah Atherton. The report found that the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces 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, and the Committee took further evidence in 2022 and 2023. Following the 2024 general election, the new Defence Committee agreed to continue to hold the MOD to account for progress. 

For this session, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans and People) and the Director of Conduct, Equity and Justice at the MOD will give evidence alongside the First Sea Lord, the Chief of the General Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff. The session will focus on developments since the publication of the Atherton report.  

Questions are likely to focus on bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Armed Forces, the effectiveness and fairness of the Service complaints process, recruitment and retention of female Service personnel, and initiatives to support Service women to progress and thrive.

Witnesses, Tuesday 18 March, 10.30am

• Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans and People)
• Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE – First Sea Lord
• General Sir Roland (Roly) Walker KCB DSO – Chief of the General Staff
• Sir Richard Knighton KCB ADC FREng – Chief of the Air Staff 
• Sam des Forges – Director of Conduct, Equity and Justice 

Further information

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

Image: MOD