Currently, women make up 15% of the U.S. military and they face all of the issues—if not more—that their male colleagues do while on active duty or as a veteran. Luckily, there are organizations like the Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN). According to its website, SWAN’s mission is to “[support, defend, and empower] today’s servicewomen and women veterans of all eras, through groundbreaking advocacy initiatives and innovative, healing community programs.” As a human rights organization, SWAN envisions a military culture with the guarantee of equal opportunity and with the absence of harassment and discrimination. To make this a reality, the organization promotes awareness of military sexual trauma and gender discrimination while offering pro bono legal services. It also sheds light on homelessness and unemployment among female veterans and the poor quality of VA health care. Above all, SWAN gives “voice, agency, and opportunity to women veterans,” doing so through programs, workshops and policy reform. Want to have a really happy Veterans Day? Take a break from watching your town’s parade and make a tax-deductible donation to SWAN! More information can be found at servicewomen.org.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: servicewomen.org
