Women in the Armed Forces of Malta : a study on the participation of Maltese women in the Armed Forces compared with women in the military in other countries

Abstract

The issue of women in the military is characterised by the issue of gender. Though great strides have been made in the sexual integration of militaries, many of the problems which women soldiers face today are no different from those they have always faced. While military experience has changed women, women have not had great success in changing the military! Before 1945, especially during the Second World War the participation of women in the military was usually seen as a regrettable necessity brought about by wartime demands for labour. This situation was often seen as unfortunate and sometimes as embarrassing that societies were keen to forget. After 1945, this issue has turned out to be a question of equality. Women are demanding expanded opportunities within the military and more recognition of their contribution. Throughout this essay the author discusses how men dominate all military forces everywhere - from Malta to Israel, from the United States of America to Britain and also in the Muslim world. The need of women's involvement is of great importance for equality within the military. Education and initiative are the key to success for women in this field - a field dominated by men.