KEY POINTS
- Female veterans, therefore, describe their lack of pre and post-service support and appreciation.
- This affects personal and financial maturity including single mothers.
- Thus, FMVA has the vision of standing to be an environment that positively promotes employment opportunities for women veterans.
Female Military Veterans Association (FMVA) have given account of negligence female military personnel go through in their post service as they receive minimal acknowledgment and support.
During the launch of FMVA in Abuja Major General Abimbola Amusu stated that he has interacted with some of these former heroes of the nation who feel neglected after being stalwart soldiers for many years.
Consistent unacknowledged invisibility
Major General Amusu expressed his concern over the absence of recognition of women’s roles as veterans especially those that have served in major wars.
Among them, problems that need the government’s attention are the difficulties in housing, disability, and the needs of female soldiers, including the elderly, many of whom are now struggling with poverty.
Amusu explained further pointing out that since the female soldiers had waited for all these years before they could celebrate things like marriage and education, they should also be given equal time as the male soldiers.
A call to empower female veterans
According to Morenike Grace, the FMVA national coordinator some of the veterans especially single mothers lack any form of support.
Amusu also urged the female veterans to be proud of their service in defending the nation because they are part of the security force of Nigeria.
Its main goal is to enable women veterans to discuss issues of interest intellectually, celebrate themselves and fight for their common cause.
It points to the fact that life for female veterans remains difficult as they are still calling on society to give them a chance to serve their nation while they offer full support in this point on their lives.
