What Progress for Women in a Decade of Change?: An Overview of the Current Employment Situation for Women in the British Armed Forces

This paper gives an overview of the changes affecting women's employment status and the role within the British Armed Forces since the end of the Cold War, contrasting their experiences, where applicable, with those of women in the Canadian Armed Forces. Many modifications have taken place over the last decade including, the de-segregation of women's basic training; an increase in employment opportunities; the granting of maternity leave and benefits; the introduction of gender free fitness tests; and, increased deployment in conflict areas or as part of peace-keeping forces. The context within which women's employment conditions have changed radically during a relatively short period of time, includes the debate over the deployment of women in combat roles. Despite the progress made, the unwillingness to consider women as combat troops means there are still barriers to achieving a position of full integration and equity of employment.