Building a Culture of Respect
Women have served in the U.S. military since the American Revolution, and yet, all too often that service has gone unrecognized.
Today, all military occupational specialties (job positions) are open to women, without exception. Women contribute to the most professional, educated, agile, and strongest military the U.S. has ever seen.
Despite their longstanding service, many women Veterans struggle to feel recognized, respected, and valued as Veterans in civilian life. After all that they have done and continue to do, women Veterans deserve the support and respect that they have earned through their service.
We understand that women Veterans face specific challenges, have unique health care needs, and may struggle to feel respected. Legislation, such as the Women Veterans Health Programs Act of 1992 and Deborah Sampson Act of 2020, enabled us to expand gender-specific services and develop initiatives to make eligible women Veterans aware of their well-deserved benefits. We also continue to support our facilities across the country in fostering a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for the women Veterans who come through our doors.
The Barriers for Women Veterans to VA Health Care 2024 report examines the input of over 7,000 women Veterans and shows that women are more satisfied with VA health care than ever before. This comprehensive study provides crucial insights into your experiences and highlights both our successes and areas where we can do better.
I Belong
You are a Veteran, and you have earned and deserve respect. We are working together to make VA a place where you feel like you belong.
VA honors, recognizes, and respects the contributions of women Veterans
Cultural campaigns on specific topics are developed throughout the year and shared with internal and external stakeholders. Below see a list of topics we've created materials and resources for, and search for each topic in our Materials and Resources pages. These topics highlight women Veterans' contributions and accomplishments as well as advocate for recognizing and respecting women Veterans.
- I Belong
- She Deserves Our Respect
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Celebrate Their Service
- Health Equity
- Lesser-known Women's Health Services
- Preventive Health Services for Women
- Their Focus Fuels Our Freedom
- Women Veterans Recognition Day
Women Veterans Health Care Videos
Watch videos for and about Women Veterans.
VA works to understand women Veteran's needs and concerns
Women often have different health care needs than men throughout their lives, ranging from preventive care to maternity and reproductive health, and more. We have created new resources and services for women to meet these unique gender-specific needs. For a full overview check out our Overview of Health Services page and find additional resources and health care services for women below:
- Women Veterans Call Center
- Center for Women Veterans
- She Wears the Boots Podcast
- Maternity Care
- Breast Feeding
- Cervical Cancer/Gynecological Cancer
- Breast Health/Mammography
- Pre-conception Health
- Pregnancy and Mental Health
- Prosthetics For Women Veterans
- Menopause
VA is creating a culture of civility, including ending harassment
Women are the fastest growing Veteran group. However, some report feeling unwelcome or uncomfortable at VA sites. We are working to raise awareness about harassment and to encourage civility without gender bias. After a 2015 survey* found that one out of four women Veterans reported harassment while on VA grounds, we got to work to raise awareness of harassment and reporting mechanisms through social media as well as posters and flyers in VA medical centers and waiting rooms. You can find these posters and graphics in our Materials and Resources pages.
Following these efforts, a 2018 survey* found women Veterans are now more aware of VA's anti-harassment efforts and reporting mechanisms, and the rate of women Veterans experiencing harassment is decreasing. To continue this positive momentum, we continue to launch new anti-harassment campaigns, and we are reinforcing our zero-tolerance policy on harassment at our facilities across the nation. VHA-wide initiatives and resources include:
If you see or experience harassment on VA grounds, please do one or more of the following:
- Call 1-800-MyVA411 to report sexual assault or sexual harassment at VA
- Visit this site on how to find care and support
- Report it to the VA Police
- Report it to your Patient Advocate
- Report it to your Women Veterans Program Manager
- Report it to the Women Veterans Call Center by calling or texting 855-829-6636
- Provide feedback on your experience through patient feedback surveys and questionnaires
- VA Police
- Patient Advocate
Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters
View our Outreach Posters.
The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health
If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:
- Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
- Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
- Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
- Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need
WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.
* By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
† VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.
