Ady was occasionally bullied at school for being a “geek.” As a librarian, prefect, and altar server, she didn’t fit the mould of what others considered cool. Her classmates couldn’t have predicted that she would go on to have an exceptional career in the Army’s Military Police, playing pivotal roles in both domestic and war crime investigations.
Ady’s journey highlights a fundamental fact: assumptions and stereotypes can lead to underestimating the potential in every individual, particularly women and girls.
Ady’s experience is not unique. There is ample evidence that negative stereotypes and assumptions impair confidence and create barriers for women in various sectors, including traditionally male-dominated environments like the armed forces. While the military is actively working to foster diversity and inclusion, women like Ady still encounter challenges, from assumptions about their physical abilities to exclusion from key information shared informally among male colleagues. Sometimes the exclusion is inadvertent – messages about tomorrow’s schedule get shared in the men’s quarters, but Ady, who’s often in separate accommodation whilst away, doesn’t get the message (which can cause her to be late if times have changed, and appear unprepared). It also means she misses out on vital opportunities to engage with her colleagues socially.
Research into this topic finds that unsurprisingly, the association of war and the military with men and traditional masculinity is deeply ingrained in society, dating back to ancient Greece, where men were seen as warriors and women were confined to the private sphere. This long-standing perception leads to the view that women don’t “fit” naturally into military roles, despite evidence showing their competence across various positions.
But Ady is resilient. Her military role is about more than brute strength. It’s about mental power, emotional resilience, and a deep understanding of others. She connects with vulnerable witnesses and victims, earning their trust to uncover vital information for investigations. This blend of skills enables her to thrive in challenging environments.
For Ady, one of her earliest sources of strength and confidence came from Girls’ Brigade (GB). She joined as a young girl and is now a leader at 8th Portsmouth, where she continues to inspire others. She credits GB for helping her develop the life skills and confidence to “do the right thing on a difficult day.” This formative experience set the stage for her success in her demanding role.
At GB we know that it is essential to provide an environment where young girls learn respect for others, assertiveness, and self-discipline. Girls build crucial life skills like teamwork, concentration, judgment, and graciousness in both winning and losing. These lessons stay with a young person – and lead them to have the skills and confidence they need to find their place in the military.
Alison also joined Girls’ Brigade as a youngster and is a former Wren. She found that she was amongst the best prepared of the young women who joined up at the same time as her. Similarly, Elise, who also joined Girls’ Brigade as a child, felt better equipped to handle the challenges of basic training because of her experiences at camps and residentials, where she learned teamwork and adaptability.
For Jo, now an RAF Chaplain and GB leader, the core values of the RAF are ones that she has lived with since the age of 5 when she arrived at Explorers in her red GB jumper. Growing up with the integrity to do the right thing even when no one is watching, the commitment to serve others without seeking rewards, and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of life helped Jo thrive in her role as a Chaplain and as a leader. She believes that having a girls-only space in GB allowed her to explore her identity without feeling the need to perform or compete with boys.
You may recall a time when GB had marching and saluting as traditions, and although that’s not what GB looks like now, these stories demonstrate what has carried through to a new generation of girls. Ady, Alison, Elise, and Jo’s experiences reflect the lasting impact of a community that empowers and nurtures young women. It’s a reminder that developing leaders in all careers starts with creating spaces where they are valued, encouraged, and given the opportunity to lead with confidence and conviction. Girls’ Brigade has been doing this for 130 years, and its impact continues to shape remarkable women ready to serve and lead in every field.