Jordan Holva’s Post

The International Women in Defense Program at World Defense Show 2024 highlighted the critical contributions of women in defense. Be part of the third edition WDS 2026. Find out more on WDS at: worlddefenseshow.com #EquippedForTomorrow

Good read about some of the transitioning challenges faced by a women Veteran.

This Women’s Health Week, we’re shining a light on the important work of Prof. Sharon Lawn and her Flinders University research team. Her recent study, 'No Women's Land' examines the challenges women face in a predominantly male population in the military. Women in the military face unique challenges. Most research focuses on men’s experiences, leaving women’s stories untold. It is important we understand this to support diversity and recruitment in the military. A recent study interviewed 22 Australian women veterans to understand their journey in a male majority military culture and their transition to civilian life. Here are the key findings: Fitting In: Women often struggle to fit in and manage their identity within the military. Gender-Based Challenges: They face challenges like proving their worth, trying to blend in, and using survival strategies in a culture that values masculinity. Being Valued Less: Women often feel less valued than men, facing issues like misogyny, sexual harassment, and a lack of recognition for their specific health needs and roles as mothers. Transitioning to Civilian Life: After leaving the military, women veterans often feel invisible and unsupported in the civilian world. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/d-tNjpKT #MESHA #WomensHealthWeek #military #research

"Mission Possible: Strategies for the Career Development of Women in the Military", the first joint, hybrid event between Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Canada and WiD Ukraine brought together participants from both countries to share their experience and expertise. Find out more about how women are overcoming barriers to female leadership in the defence sector in the fields of military education, military service and state administration. The PROECT2 project provides technical assistance to WiD Ukraine.  https://lnkd.in/gDFu3shX

WHY ARMY IS NOT THE SPACE FOR VOICING FEMINISM ? (An Open Letter by a Soldier who happens to be a Women) Amongst the many debates on the recent Nari Shakti theme for Republic Day Parade, one debate has been on the representation of Women in the armed forces. A very interesting video is also making rounds where in Women Officers expressed their thoughts on why feminism has nothing to do with the Army. Physical capabilities are usually the debate between the two different opinions (for and against ) Women in the Army. Today I make an attempt to give a deeper perspective on ROLE OF WOMEN IN MILITARY LEADERSHIP. 1. THE PHYSICAL STANDARDS PARADOX. This argument has shaped in some of the most weird ways. Comparing the differences in the physical standards to different armies and with the same differences in sports. Both are superficial research. The structure of Defence forces of any nation are demanded by its national and strategic interests, thus, defence interests are also different. While we do take case studies and references from different armies it’s irrational to expect a square peg to fit in a round hole! 2. THE SELECTION PROCESS. No one and everyone ! Let me explain this with the example of the selection process in the Army through one specific entry of Combined Defence Services Examination. There are different vacancies for Women and Men in the Army. However, the exam paper , the Services Selection Board interview are the same! Now talking of the physical standards, they remain same for both genders in the SSB interview. Same obstacles , same timings, etc. 3. ASSUMED LOWER STANDARDS FOR WOMEN IN TRAINING. In the training , this difference occurs , different timings, a 9 ft ditch for men and a 6ft ditch for women, but no difference comes in training of the battle drills and procedures or in war tactics. The minuscule differences are in things WHERE IT IS NEGOTIABLE and NOT in the LARGER NON-NEGOTIABLE part of the training. P.S. Not all men also pass the tests in the best timings and there are women who sometimes perform better than men! At the end of the day all officers irrespective Male or Female have a common order of merit to prove their mettle AS A SOLDIER AND NOT AS A MAN OR WOMEN! #militaryleadership #womenempoweringwomen #womeninmilitary #genderdiversity #diversityinclusion

As a change agent working in Women, Peace & Security (WPS), the excerpt below really resonated with me. The “frozen middle” is real - and especially challenging in organizations like the National Guard (NG) where there is less personnel turnover than in the active components. However, for the same reason, “thawing” the NG frozen middle can reap great benefits for institutional change. Kudos to the Department of the Air Force Women's Initiatives Team for championing important DAF policy changes and adeptly navigating their way through the frozen middle. Your advocacy, action, and success is inspiring to others working to move institutions forward to be ready for the complex challenges ahead. “Finally, the frozen middle represents those with high levels of power in the institution but low levels of interest in changing policy. In some cases, the frozen middle has low interest in institutional change since they are overtasked and under-resourced, compelled to stay within their roles through time and task constraints. They have no interest in policy change because they have no time available to consider alternatives. In other cases, the frozen middle wants to uphold the bureaucracy and its associated administrative constraints for ideological reasons: they gained power through the institution's existing structures, and therefore they oppose changes to the system that benefited them. In either case, the frozen middle slows down or even thwarts attempts by change agents to transform institutional policy. Power brokers, particularly key senior leaders, may overrule the frozen middle in some cases, but often the frozen middle is so deeply entrenched in the institution's power structures that they can withstand power broker efforts.” #DAFWIT #WPS #NGWPS

📢 New Article Alert: Gender Challenges in UK Defence Medical Services 🏥 I am excited to share our latest publication in BMJ Military Health, which dives into the ongoing gender challenges within the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS). This is such an important article, and I feel really privileged to have contributed to it! Despite progress, women in the DMS still face significant barriers to recruitment, retention, and career progression. In the article, we highlight six persistent gender bias barriers and offer actionable recommendations for fostering inclusivity. Check out the full article (it is open access!) to learn more about how we can drive change in military healthcare leadership! 🚀 Link in the comments! #Military #Leadership #FemaleRepresentation

Attention all United States Department of Defense and military service senior leaders! 📣 Are you responsible for leading service women? If so, this report is an essential read for you. Discover the critical issues facing your Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Guardians. **Why should you read it?** This resource is invaluable for understanding and addressing the challenges that our female tactical athletes encounter daily. After reading, make sure to follow The Valkyrie Project Inc on all social media platforms to stay updated. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next Military Women Symposium! The Valkyrie Project is revolutionizing the defense sector by providing a vital platform to share insights, collect data, and drive innovation for both current and future challenges faced by our female tactical athletes. #MilitaryWomen #Leadership #Innovation #TacticalAthletes #TheValkyrieProject

Good insights shared here by Major Nithi CJ, sharing further for wider reach.

Honoring the Unsung Heroes: Women Ordnance Workers (WOW) 👩🫡🔧 As we celebrate Women’s history month, I encourage you to take a moment to also remember and honor the trailblazing Women Ordnance Workers (WOW). A lessor known group of incredible women from WWII. During World War II, these courageous women stepped into critical roles, manufacturing ammunition and munitions, crucial for the war effort. Their skill, determination, and dedication helped pave the way for future generations of women in defense and technical fields. The WOWs broke barriers and challenged stereotypes, proving women could excel in traditionally male-dominated roles. They didn't just contribute to the war effort; they reshaped the workforce and redefined women's roles in society. Today, we see their legacy lives on in the Ammo profession of the Air Force, where women continue to play a vital role in safeguarding our nation. Their contributions are a testament to the strength, resilience, and capabilities of women in all aspects of life. Let's spread the word about Women Ordnance Workers and their invaluable contributions. Their story is not just a chapter in history; it's an ongoing inspiration for equality, excellence, and empowerment in every field. 🔥IYA💣YAS🔥 ‘Get some! 🐸 #WomenInDefense #WOWHeritage #AmmoPride #Empowerment #AirForceLegacy #Trailblazers Women In Defense Logistics Logistics Officer Association NDIA Logistics Management Division