Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women in the Armed Forces

Monday 12 December 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Defence assessed the adequacy of progress towards creating a more inclusive environment for women in the armed forces.
  • The focus on inclusivity is resulting in efforts to improve retention of women in the armed forces.
  • Defence remains committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining people from a broad base to ensure long and successful careers for women.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Cherilyn Mackrory
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

The question addresses recent assessments of progress towards creating a more inclusive environment for women in the armed forces.

Question

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of progress towards creating a more inclusive environment for women in the armed forces?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Defence continues to improve experiences by introducing flexible service, improving health, instigating zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviors, launching the Defence Serious Crime Unit, creating an independent bullying and harassment helpline. Ministers meet servicewomen's networks regularly. Progress has been made but more must be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessments or figures regarding progress towards inclusivity were not provided

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Q2 Cherilyn Mackrory
Defence Women & Equalities
Context

The MP is interested in understanding how efforts towards inclusivity are impacting retention rates for women, specifically mentioning Falmouth's hosting of Armed Forces Day and hoping it will inspire more female participation.

Question

Can he tell me to what extent the focus on inclusivity is resulting in better retention of women in the armed forces?

Answer from Andrew Murrison

Women are an integral part of our armed forces. Defence remains committed to improving their lived experience. Attracting, recruiting and retaining people from a broad base is mission-critical. We aim to create a more inclusive environment for all women to pursue long and successful careers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific figures or data on retention rates were not provided

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