March 8 is International Women's Day, an opportunity to celebrate the great accomplishments of women today, but also, those of women who paved the way for the generations that followed them. Women in the Canadian Armed Forces have come a long way in the last century. Over the years, their determination, courage and leadership have brought about important changes in the Canadian Military, Canadian society and also for women and girls around the world. The following article recounts their history and recognizes women who have accomplished great things in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Women have been involved in Canada's military service and contributed to Canada's rich military history and heritage for more than 100 years. We have been fully integrated in all occupations and roles for more than 20 years, with the exception of serving on submarines. That service was opened to women by the Royal Canadian Navy on March 8, 2000.
The number of women in uniform has fluctuated over the years, with the largest number serving during the Second World War, when many performed non-traditional duties. Following the large reduction in personnel after the Second World War, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force again allowed women to enroll in the early 1950s, though their employment was restricted to traditional roles in medicine, communication, logistics, and administration.
The roles of women in the CAF began to expand in 1971, after the…
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