Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amber Weingart | 150610-N-MV308-012 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (June 10, 2015) Aviation Machinist’s Mate...... read more read more
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Porter
SAN DIEGO - “I am a Naval Aircrewman Mechanical Third Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy,” said Kishke Nelson, a Sailor assigned to the ‘Golden Eagles’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9. “I have a job to do, and I perform my duties because I am a hard worker and take pride in my work. It doesn’t and shouldn’t matter that I am a woman. What does matter is that I am doing my job and doing it well.”
Speakers at the 28th annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium in San Diego, which concluded June 12, talked about some of the issues that women like Nelson face in the military, and strategies to overcome these difficulties.
To normalize workplace relations, move beyond tokenism and overcome stereotypes, the Navy needs a “critical mass” of at least 25 percent women, including the same proportion aboard each ship and squadron, Adm. Michelle Howard, the Navy’s No. 2 officer, has said.
The Navy is progressing steadily towards their target with new recruits, 25 percent of whom are female. At the Naval Academy, 22 percent of midshipmen are women. Currently about 18 percent of the total Navy is female, slightly higher than the average across the services.
Lt. Celesse Hidrovo-Guidry, a P3-C Orion maritime patrol aircraft pilot, believes that it is important for women to have representation and opportunity, but emphasizes that success in the military is dependent on the individual’s attitude and work ethic.
“This job really isn't for everyone. You have to want to serve your country, know what you're getting into, and do the research,” said Hidrovo-Guidry. “Both males and females have family issues and work issues. Both have goals, aspirations, responsibilities and positional roles to live up to. Women are important to the military and with the recent news around women in combat, its empowering to see us getting recognition for our same hard work and perseverance.”
During a speech about lifting the ban on women in combat, President Barack Obama stated, "Valor knows no gender”. The United States Navy website elaborates on that statement, saying,
“The idea that certain jobs are better suited for men and men alone is redefined in the Navy. Stereotypes are overridden by determination, by proven capabilities, and by a shared appreciation for work that’s driven by hands-on skills and adrenaline. Here, women are definitely in on the action. And women who seek to pursue what some may consider male-dominated roles are not only welcome, they’re wanted – in any of dozens of dynamic fields.”
For Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Danielle Weakley, the website was a motivational recruitment tool in her decision to join the Navy.
“The allure to join an organization that promises challenges, excitement, rewards and liberation was irresistible,” said Weakley. “I think that what really hooked me though was being able to break a conventional role and earn respect for myself through my profession, equal to that of my male counterparts.”
Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Beatriz Campos said she joined the military to get out of New York City, be independent and to have financial support to complete college. “The most rewarding part of the Navy has been my education, training, and the travel. I was able to complete my Associates Degree and am very close to completing my bachelor's degree.”
“I love the lifestyle and the job security,” said Campos. “I love knowing that I can go on vacation and still get paid and that my family will be taken care of in any case I am not present. I don't have to worry about medical and dental coverage and I love the friends that I make everywhere I go.”
“I am a part of the Facebook group called ‘Women Redefined.’” explains Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Arlene Williams. “It’s monitored by the Women in the Navy initiatives and discusses personal and professional-based issues in our working environment. I think that the redefining of women in the Navy is important as more females join and there are increasing roles that we shouldn’t be afraid to step into.”
For more information about women in the Navy, visit http://www.navy.com/navy-life/winr.html
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2015 20:08 |
| Story ID: | 166731 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 818 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Women redefined: A Sailor’s perspective, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT