Women Veterans Forum 2026
The annual Women Veterans Forum provides a platform for women veterans to raise issues directly with DVA and to create new channels of communication between DVA and the veteran community. The most recent forum, held in May, was a great success, with 38 women veterans from across the country meeting to collaborate in person on topics such as military sexual trauma, transition, employment and women’s health.
The Forum is a prime example of the value of co-design, which acknowledges people with lived experiences as the experts on their needs and collaborators on designing solutions.
‘I have virtually avoided any and all ADF/veteran-linked groups and activities since my separation from service,’ one participant commented. ‘In this forum I have felt safe to be part of the group and activities. Being part of the solution is important to me. I feel that I have been able to contribute as part of the solution over the last 2 days. Thank you.’
Throughout the 2-day forum, participants generously shared their perspectives, ideas, and vision for change. This input is being summarised into a report that will be published on the DVA website in the coming months.
Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, the then ADF Chief of Joint Capabilities and now Chief of Army, gave a welcome address via video. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh addressed the forum virtually, engaging with participants during a Question & Answer session. In the afternoon of the final day, participants presented a summary of their ideas and insights directly to senior DVA leaders, including Secretary Alison Frame.
‘Living in a rural area and with non-military friends, there is a major portion of my life that is not usually discussed or acknowledged,’ said another participant. ‘I enjoyed being able to talk on a level with fellow women about topics I haven’t talked about since leaving defence. Thank you.’
Thank you for getting input from us. I have never felt this seen as a veteran before.
- Forum participant
The 2026 forum marked 10 years since the inaugural (then-named) Female Veterans and Veteran Families Forum in 2016. In 2023, in response to feedback, this was separated into the Women Veterans Forum and the Veteran Families Forum.
Over the past decade, DVA’s consultative forums have driven significant change, with our service design moving from a single ‘veteran’ cohort to consideration of the need for tailored support for various groups within the veteran community.