in brief: few women choose direct combat roles
Fewer than 20 women have applied for direct combat roles within the Australian Defence Forces since the opening of all employment opportunities in January.
In a move designed to encourage greater inclusiveness within the ADF, the federal government approved the removal of gender restrictions on front line combat roles in 2011. Currently these positions are open only to current female personnel wishing to transfer, but will become available to new recruits over the next five years.
Despite the removal of restrictions, uptake has been slow. Only a handful of the approximately 8,000 Australian service women have applied to undergo the rigorous physical and academic testing required of all Defence Force personnel wishing to work in combat roles.
Major General Gerard Fogarty, who is overseeing the ADF plan to include women in front line positions, told ABC Radio that the low number of applicants had been expected and that the process will take place over the coming 5 years.
The ADF’s reputation with regards to providing a safe and supportive employment environment for women has been tarnished by several scandals in recent years.
The most public incident involved an 18 year old female cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy who was filmed without her knowledge whilst having sex with a fellow cadet. The incident only came to light after the woman involved went public, alleging that her complaints to senior officers had been ignored.
The government responded by approving a series of inquiries into sexual misconduct and into the treatment of women in the Australian armed forces.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, headed the review of women in the ADF and found numerous shortcomings in the institutional treatment of and support for women, especially with regards to sexual harassment.
According to the review, approximately one in four women serving in the armed forces has suffered sexual harassment – similar to the rate within the wider community – but that incidences tend to go under reported for fear of reprisals.
Along with supporting the removal of gender-based employment restrictions, the report also recommended the introduction of recruiting targets and the encouragement of greater number of women in leadership roles.
By Toby Newton
