Hermione Granger (Harry Potter Series), Princess Leia Organa (Star Wars Series), Hua Mulan (1998 Disney film) and Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess) – all of these fictional characters have two things in common: they are all women and they fought hard in their own ways in order to save the people they love.
Of course, bravery and sacrifice among women is not just limited in books and fiction.
As the campaign of the equality of gender goes on, women in the United States of America are now taking lead in the armed forces. Today, they make up 14.6 percent of the military.
This number could grow up knowing that there are more brave souls out there who are willing to risk everything, including their lives, for the sake of our country.
However, female veterans make up 10 percent of the total population of veterans in the United States. This makes them a minority thus exposing them to issues which makes their transition to civilian life more difficult.
Below are just 5 of the heartbreaking issues faced by the female veterans here in our country:
- Lack of fundamental healthcare services and screenings
According to www.nfv.org, “The DoD and the VA still fall short of providing equitable health care services to all veterans.”
With that being said, even our female veterans are not exempted from this pressing concern. Not only are they having problems looking for basic quality and affordable health care services but they are also facing a hard time searching for healthcare services that are specifically prepared for women.
Some of these services include cervical and breast cancer screenings, both of which are extremely important for every women to undergo through. Even prenatal care and gynecological care are considered a luxury to these women rendering service to our country.
- Almost unavailable treatment for MST
MST is the acronym of military sexual trauma. Hall, Sedlacek, Berenbach, & Dieckmann, 2007 defined it as “the term used to describe physical assault, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment that occurs during active duty.”
It is documented that 15 to 20 percent of female veterans suffered from MST during their services. Given that fact, these veterans do not often enjoy the benefits of counseling.
Out of 10 Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and Department of Veterans Affair medical centers, only 7 are considered capable of giving the needed treatment of these retired heroines.
- Unavailability of treatment for Women’s Mental Health Disorder
Some female veterans may have suffered some form of mental health disorder while they were still serving in the military. When they go back to readjust to society, they are often not given enough support by the government.
- Lack in treatment for disabilities
Women are different in physique than their male counterpart. This information is a no-brainer even for a child. In war, no body part is safe. Many women suffer a loss of their limbs just as any male veteran.
But prosthetics that are made available by the government are only customized for men. Female veterans who have had disabilities cannot be comfortable with the size made for men; and they should not adjust to a male prosthetic just because of the mentioned unavailability.
Those who have no other choice but to use a custom-made prosthetics for men experience emotional distress and insecurities. It is their right to enjoy the same privileges as male veterans for both did their part in serving for the country.
- Unemployment and homelessness
Unlike the regular employee, the risk a female veteran to lose her job is greater. After all, the battlefield is not predictable. The number of retired and unemployed heroines ever since the 9/11 attack are greater than male veterans. It is more difficult for those women who have physical disabilities to be employed in a steady and regular job.
This is where THE MVET WAY comes in.
THE MVET WAY provides business opportunities for our unsung female heroes to help them cope with the change from being in military to becoming a civilian. Aside from that, we are also providing housing programs for these homeless individuals for them to have a peaceful transition.
