Nobody Wants To Hire A Female Veteran
October 24, 2011 No Comments
When men return from war (even a controversial one), they are often seen as heroes. For women it is sometimes a mixed bag. They have to fight to get into the army in the first place. Then, upon returning home, women are increasingly unable to find jobs. The unemployment rate for female veterans in America is a startling 15 percent.
Male veterans are more likely to be employed and get higher salaries after their service. This disparity is nothing new, even in the normal job market. But a 15 percent unemployment rate is new. In the year 2000 it was only two percent across America. These statistics are especially alarming because experts cannot explain them.
Companies and employment counsellors go on and on about wanting strong, independent leaders in their workforce. Maybe this unemployment trend has uncovered a frightening secret: employers only want strong, independent men.
I am no expert, but think about it. Why wouldn’t you want to hire someone who has shown determination, bravery and strength in the armed forces? Because it defies gender stereotypes. Maybe employers are intimidated by tough, female veterans who have kicked away expectations to join the army. This somehow labels them as deviant and unemployable.
Women are still grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, divorce and raising children when they come home from the war. Now they have to deal with unemployment as well, and for no explainable reason.
These women have shown tremendous strength and courage. These qualities should help them in the job market, not hurt them.
Contact the author here: jennY@morningquickie.com
