Empowering the Military Veteran Sisterhood

I was recently asked why I set up Salute Her UK, the UK's only women veterans charity. Other than saying …because it was needed, I did not at the time have a slick elevator elevator pitch to rattle off, so I thought I would write a blog on the matter. What I did know after 12 years of offering a distinct service for women veterans was the undeniable fact that women veterans often face unique challenges that are not adequately addressed by existing veterans' services. These challenges can include issues related to gender-specific healthcare, experiences of military sexual trauma, and difficulties transitioning back to civilian life. As a male veteran, running a multi award winning service charity I was able to recognise there was a glaring gap in service provision and felt a responsibility to help address that problem.

After hearing the lived experience of discrimination and invisibility during consultation sessions with women veterans I knew this was the right thing to do … and let me tell you a desire to take the moral high ground can be was a powerful motivator. Many of the women I met inspired me with their stories of resilience and dedication. Witnessing their struggles and triumphs drove me to become an advocate for better support systems specifically tailored for women veterans. I knew that setting up a charity dedicated to women veterans would help ensure that there was a safe, inclusive space where their voices could be heard and their needs met.

As a male ally, I was able to use my status as a CEO to amplify their experiences and promote gender equality within the veteran community. The absence of existing organisations focused solely on women veterans highlighted a significant void in support services. Establishing Salute Her UK addressed this gap and ensured that women veterans would have access to resources and programmes designed specifically for them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Churchill Fellowship Activate Grant for helping me make this idea a reality.https://www.churchillfellowship.org/our-impact/the-activate-fund/support-for-women-veterans/

Military service often fosters a deep sense of camaraderie and loyalty. Extending this sense of brotherhood and solidarity to women veterans, regardless of gender, reflects the values of mutual respect and support that are integral to military life. By founding Salute Her UK I was able to help raise awareness about the unique contributions and sacrifices of women in the military. This helped contribute to changing societal perceptions and fostering greater appreciation and understanding of their service in both the civilian and military service charity sector.

On a personal level, creating Salute Her UK was a deeply fulfilling way to give back to the veteran community. It allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of fellow veterans, contributing to a cause I care passionately about. Ultimately, setting up the UK's only women veterans charity as a male veteran allowed me to demonstrate a commitment to equity, support, and recognition for all who have served, highlighting the importance of inclusive and targeted veteran services.

Tony Wright Founder of Salute Her UK.