Message from the Defence Champion for Women to mark Women’s History Month

October 06, 2023 - Defence Stories

October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate women, our achievements and all those who have worked tirelessly to advance women’s rights and promote gender equality. As the Defence Champion for Women, I take great pride in celebrating the important contributions women across the Defence Team have made and continue to make to Canada and the world.

The history of Canadian service women is an important part of our national military heritage. Canadian women served for the first time in military history as nurses in 1885. Since then, we have served in virtually every armed conflict and peacekeeping effort Canada has engaged in during the past century. During the Second World War, more than 50,000 women joined Canada’s military in non-combat roles. At that time, women faced great criticism when they volunteered to enlist.

It is thanks to the collective efforts, service and sacrifice of women who came before us that Canada is a world leader when it comes to women’s inclusion and participation in military service, public service and greater society. Today, Canadian women can enroll in any military occupation, including operational trades, and serve in any environment.

There is no limit to career opportunities in the Canadian Armed Forces for women and gender-diverse personnel. This makes it an exciting time to join. I’m honoured to work with so many women, both members of the military and the public service, who continue to break down barriers by taking on important and challenging roles in national security, search and rescue and natural disasters response. Much has changed since I joined in 1987, and I look forward to seeing where the next generation of Defence Team members will lead us.

Throughout the month of October, please join me in celebrating our achievements by using the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth to share your story and join the conversation. I also encourage you to learn more about the history of Canadian service women and women of impact in Canada.

It is also important to note that October is also Menopause Awareness Month, and as such a fitting moment to share that we are soon launching a new web page with menopause resources for CAF members. We also celebrate International Day of the Girl Child on October 11^th and both World Menopause Awareness Day and Persons Day on October 18^th.  The latter marks the historic 1929 ruling from Canada’s highest court of appeal to include women in the legal definition of persons. In this time of celebration, it is sobering to reflect on how far we have come in such a short period of time. I support all those who choose to mark these important events and milestones.

In the spirit of celebration, thank you all women across our Defence Team, for all you do. Together, we represent the vision and determination of all those who served and continue to serve our country.

Lieutenant-General Lise Bourgon, CMM, MSC, CD
Acting Commander Military Personnel Command and the Defence Champion for Women