Possibilities for Change

As a powerful institution, the military has the possibility to be a very positive influence in the lives of women. At the moment the military provides something that outside employers do not: equal pay for equal work. Unfortunately, women do not often get the chance for equal work. Only 5% of the officers in the military are women. However, this idea is a great equalizer in the military when women receive the chance to hold leadership positions. Although the status of women within the military is nowhere close to equal, there are many efforts being made to change this. The Department of Defense is reviewing and reforming its policies on sexual assault, women themselves are gaining leadership through merit and enrollment in rigorous military academies, and the military is attempting to promote diversity through upcoming polices and recruitment. With more work, and women supporting and pushing this drive for diversity, the institution of the military may be a positive place for women in the future.