Barriers and facilitators to successful transition to civilian life for ex-servicewomen: the perspective of service providers and policymakers

The role of women in the UK Armed Forces has changed considerably in the last decade. With drives to increase the number of women serving in the military, research must consider the impact of both service and transition into civilian life on the health and wellbeing of service and ex-servicewomen (female veterans). This paper adds to the field by providing the perspective of service providers supporting ex-service personnel with their mental health, employment, housing and other needs in addition to those working in policy affecting ex-servicewomen. This study aimed to explore their understanding of what constitutes a successful transition into civilian life, the barriers and facilitators to achieving this and how transition might be impacted by the gender of the individual transitioning. Interviews and roundtable discussions were held with stakeholders (n=28) and analysed using framework analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: ’Successful transition is individual and all-encompassing’, ‘The conflicting identities of servicewomen’, ’Sexism: women don’t belong in service’ and ’The needs of servicewomen’. The first theme describes how the process and result of successful transition is individual to each ex-servicewoman, whilst the remaining themes outline common challenges faced by ex-servicewomen on this journey. There was no singular definition of ’successful transition’, but stakeholders described barriers to a successful transition. They identified prominent gender-specific barriers rooted in misogyny and inequality during military service that permeated into civilian life and impacted support use and workplace experiences. Ex- servicewomen were often required to juggle multiple responsibilities, mother and partner, and identities, women and warrior, simultaneously. Policies should look to address elements of military culture that may reinforce gender inequality and ensure veteran services are inclusive and welcoming to women and cater for gender-specific needs such as gynaecological health. Whilst in-service and veteran-focused interventions are needed, entrenched sexism in general society should not be ignored.