We don’t just support women veterans. We speak up for them.
WVNA Advocacy
Women veterans have been invisible in policy for too long. WVNA is here to change that because no one knows what women veterans need better than women veterans themselves.
Our Advocacy in Action
WVNA advocates for women veterans across Australia by contributing to government submissions, participating in DVA consultations, engaging with key sector bodies, and ensuring women veterans’ voices drive policy, research, and service design.
Our Advocacy Priorities
These aren’t talking points. They’re the issues our members live with every day.
Visibility and recognition
Elevating women veterans in national conversations at every level
Transition pathways
Strengthening support from Defence to civilian life
Social connection
Reducing isolation through community. It's a health outcome, not a luxury
Mental health and wellbeing
Improving access to services that actually meet women veterans' needs
Lived experience in policy
Ensuring women veterans' experience drives policy, research, and service design
Equity, inclusion, and safety
Within veteran systems and beyond
How We Engage
WVNA is an active, trusted voice in the veteran sector, contributing to meaningful change through consistent, credible engagement.
Government & Policy Submissions
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (FADT) Committee
- Australian Human Rights Commission
- Women Veterans Strategy
Consultation & Sector Engagement
- State DVA consultation forums
- ESO Peak Body consultation
- Transition seminars and stakeholder meetings
- Wellbeing Agency engagement
Research & Representation
- Involvement in Strength in Transitions research
- Women Who Have Served in the ADF, Journey Mapping workshop: Health and Ageing
- Ongoing collaboration with DVA, ESOs, and national stakeholders
Not one submission. Not one meeting. Consistent presence, year after year.
What We've Achieved
WVNA is making a tangible impact, ensuring women veterans are no longer overlooked in policy, programs, and services.
WVNA is not only advocating for change – we are actively shaping it.
| Impact Area | Achievement |
|---|---|
| National conversations | Influenced through formal submissions and consultation processes. |
| Government representation | Women veterans' voices present in key sector discussions. |
| Cross-sector partnerships | Strengthened to improve support pathways and outcomes. |
| Visibility | Increased recognition of women veterans through national engagement. |
| Community | Built a strong, connected network that reduces isolation and fosters belonging. |
| Safe spaces | Created environments where women veterans feel heard and supported. |
Get Involved
You don’t need a policy background. You just need your experience. WVNA members can contribute by:
Sharing your story
Lived experience is our most powerful evidence
Participating in consultations
We notify members when opportunities arise
Connecting with your regional coordinator
Local voices matter in national conversations
Staying informed
Members receive regular advocacy updates
The more women veterans who engage, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
Trust and Credentials
Registered Not-for-Profit Charity
Incorporated Association, Queensland
Founded 2013
12+ years of community building
Open to all service branches
Navy, Army, Air Force, Reserves
Australia-wide
Metro, regional, and remote
Ready to Add Your Voice?
Women veterans deserve to be heard in every policy room. Join WVNA or support our advocacy work, both make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WVNA advocate for?
Recognition, visibility, and wellbeing of women veterans across Australia, stronger transition support, better mental health access, equity within veteran systems, and lived experience driving policy at every level.
How does WVNA engage with government and policymakers?
Through formal submissions to the FADT Committee and Australian Human Rights Commission, State DVA consultation forums, ESO Peak Body engagement, the Wellbeing Agency, and contributions to the Women Veterans Strategy.
Is WVNA's advocacy work independent?
Yes. WVNA is an independent not-for-profit. Our advocacy is driven by our members’ needs, not government funding or political affiliation.
What is the Women Veterans Strategy and is WVNA involved?
The Women Veterans Strategy is a national initiative improving outcomes for women who served in the ADF. WVNA has contributed to this work and continues to engage as it develops.
How does advocacy connect to WVNA's community work?
The two go hand in hand. Our community events and peer support give us direct insight into what women veterans need, and that insight feeds directly into our advocacy.