Visibility of Women Veterans: ANZAC Day Speech by GPS Affiliate Llani Kennealy
On ANZAC Day, at the Dawn Service at the Currumbin RSL (Returned & Services League of Australia) at Elephant Rock Llani Kennealy - retired Wing Commander, GPS Affiliate and international consultant on Women, Peace and Security - gave a powerful speech about the visibility of women veterans (broadcast nationally on Channel 7’s morning TV programme Sunrise).
Llani highlighted the immense contributions of women in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for over 80 years; contributions that have often been overlooked. Women have played - and continue to play - a vital role in peacekeeping and combat operations globally, demonstrating that ‘what defines military service isn’t who you are but the relentless commitment, resilience and mindset that you bring to the mission.’ This vital role is increasingly critical as the nature of warfare, humanitarian crises and threats to security grow increasingly complex and increasingly impact civilians. In warfare, often the most vulnerable members of the community are intentionally targeted: sexual violence, forced displacement and the systematic violation of human rights are increasingly used as tools of warfare:
In this present day battlefield security is no longer defined by military might alone but by the protection and the empowerment of the most vulnerable. It is in these circumstances that the role of women who serve has never been more critical. In addition to the technical mastery that our serving women possess they also bring unique capabilities, perspectives and skills.
As we honour the ANZAC legacy, Llani called for the acknowledgement of women who have served and continue to serve: ‘women who serve not for recognition but for the duty to protect, to lead, and to pave the way.’
Llani Kennealy is an International Consultant specialising in Women, Peace, and Security, leveraging her extensive military background to advocate for greater female representation and enhanced experiences within the global security sector. She has played pivotal roles such as Director of the Australian Department of Defence Implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, and has served as a trusted advisor to senior military leaders. Currently, Llani serves as Chair of Women Veterans Australia, NFP. Aside from Monash GPS, Llani is also affiliated with the International Peace Institute and UN Women, focusing her efforts on project delivery and research examining the barriers to the meaningful participation of women’s deployment in peace operations.