War has generally been told through the stories of men: however, behind every chapter of service and sacrifice, there have always been women. Women leading, serving, advocating and changing what was possible.

At Vasey RSL Care, that story begins with Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey OBE CBE, an extraordinary woman whose vision and tenacity shaped the organisation we have today.

Jessie did much more than support war widows: she challenged the system on their behalf. She advocated for widows’ pensions, for safe housing for women and their children, and for something equally important, independence.

One of her earliest initiatives was teaching widows weaving so they could learn a trade, earn an income and take care of themselves and their families with dignity. As a widow herself, she knew the problems first-hand and led by example. Her leadership at that time was not the norm, and that leads me to think about the word ‘veteran’.

Even today, the word veteran still conjures up in the minds of the majority, an image of a man in uniform. But history tells a broader story.

During World War II, around 70,000 Australian women served in uniform, contributing across the Navy, Army and Air Force in roles that were essential to the war effort, from intelligence and communications to logistics and operations.

Women have continued to serve our nation in every conflict since. Today, women make up around 20% of the Australian Defence Force, serving in every role across the services, including operational and leadership positions.

Within Vasey RSL Care, we are proud to have on our Board of Directors, two women who served our country and who are now sharing their experience and knowledge to help shape our organisation to deliver on our mission and ‘serve those who served’.

International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to recognise these women, the visible ones and those history has forgotten. This is a day to acknowledge the women who shaped our past, the women serving our country today, and the women who will lead the future.

When women step forward, whether in service, leadership, advocacy or community, they change what is possible for everyone.

Happy International Women’s Day.

Janna Voloshin

Chief Executive Officer

Image (from left): ADF veterans; Board members Laureen Grimes, Lucy Saaroni; Mrs Jessie Mary Vasey OBE CBE