The Changing Roles of Women in the ADF
The demands of war brought about significant change on many levels across society. As the conflict intensified, women found themselves taking on new roles and responsibilities both at home and in the wider community. Many stepped into positions traditionally held by men, while others contributed through volunteering, nursing, factory work, and service roles connected to the military. The experiences of women in the ADF highlighted this shift, as women became increasingly involved in supporting Australia’s wartime efforts through defence and auxiliary services.
On the far right of this photo is Mrs I. Wilson, who has five sons in the army, talking with her daughter and two nieces, all members of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS), and her daughter-in-law, a munitions worker. (Melbourne, Victoria, December 1942).
For many families, the involvement of relatives in war-related roles created stronger connections and a shared sense of purpose. The generation that had lived through the First World War could pass on their knowledge, resilience, and experiences to those now living through the Second World War. Mothers, daughters, and sisters often supported one another as they balanced the pressures of separation, loss, and increased responsibilities. Through these changing roles, women not only sustained their families and communities but also helped reshape social expectations for future generations.
This is First Officer B. Bowden at the Naval Base Headquarters. (Sydney, 1945-04) of the Women's Royal Australian Navy Service. The Women's Royal Australian Navy Service (WRANS) was established in 1942 and disbanded in 1984, when women were integrated into the Royal Australian Navy.
This photo from the Herald Newspaper show women fitters of the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) re-assembling a Pratt and Whitney "Wasp" aircraft motor. (Mildura, Vic. 1944-06-20).
The number of jobs open to women in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has continuously and expanded greatly since the first Army Nursing Service was established in New South Wales in 1899. Women can now be employed in approximately 88% of employment categories in the ADF.
One of the Royal Australian Air Force's newest C-130J Hercules aircraft Loadmasters, Corporal Jordyn Luck (left) , is joined by the first-ever female RAAF Loadmaster, Mrs Katrina Salvesen (retired) on board a No 37 Squadron C-130J Hercules at RAAF Base Richmond, New South Wales.
In today’s Australian Defence Forces women work in over 200 roles, and receive the same training, salaries and opportunities as men. The percentage of women in each service as of the 2017-18 report was 21.5% in the Navy, 14.3% in the Army, and 22.1% in the Air Force. According to the Department of Defence, the ADF has an overall female participation rate of 19.2%, and has grown steadily since 2011, when Defence made increasing female participation a priority, with the intent of opening all previously gender restricted roles to women.
Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Natasha Fox, AM, CSM, presents Corporal Justin Wells with the Jonathan Church Good Soldiering Award during the Australian Army's 122nd birthday activities at Russell Offices in Canberra on Wednesday, 01 March 2023 (Image: Nicole Mankowski)
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Newman joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Maritime Warfare Officer (MWO) indulging her love of physical and mental challenges whilst embarking on a career by the sea. She was Captain of STS Youth Endeavour in 2025. Each year the STS Young Endeavour deliver up to 20 voyages, teaching around 500 youth participants to work together sail a square-rigged tall ship along the Australian coast. In doing so they develop skills for life – building teamwork, leadership, communication, confidence and resilience amongst participants.
The changing roles of women in our Defence force reflect the changes we have undergone as a society. With the ADF’s commitment to offering excellent career opportunities to women across the 200+ roles, they continue to champion visibility and opportunities for women. As barriers to service have been removed, more and more women have achieved leadership positions across the defence force, opening pathways and offering great role models for others looking to follow in their footsteps.
We would love to hear your stories or those of loved ones who have served or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force. If you would like to share your experiences, please reach out to [email protected] with your story and a photo if you would like to share.
