The Centre for Military Women’s Research (CMWR)

In June 2021, as part of the Women and Equalities Workstream of the Veterans and Families Institute for Military Social Research (VFI), Anglia Ruskin University published the nationally recognised ‘We Also Served’ Report, bringing together everything that was known in the UK about the health and well-being of women veterans. This report identified numerous gaps in our understanding of women’s experiences in the military community and the impact of these experiences on their civilian lives. The report acted as a catalyst for the development of the NHS England Serving and Ex-Service Women’s Health Improvement Group, as well as the commissioning of various research projects nationally, focused on the experiences of women who have served in the UK Armed Forces.  

Subsequently, the Centre for Military Women’s Research (CMWR) was launched by the VFI in August 2022, led by Dr Lauren Godier-McBard and Professor Matt Fossey. This was followed by further funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and military charities to undertake work focused on the experiences and distinct needs of military-affiliated women.  

To improve the lives of women in the military and veteran community (military-affiliated women) through world-leading international collaborative research and evaluation.  

What do we mean by ‘military-affilated women’?

The CMWR takes a broad approach to the communities of women included in our mission statement. The term ‘military-affiliated women’ is inclusive of all those that identify as women and are connected to the military and veteran community, including: 

• service and ex-service women (both regular and reservist) 

• women who are partners/spouses/family members of service personnel and veterans

• women in the civil service  

• women employed by defence contractors  

Engaging with military-affiliated women and stakeholders

We recognise the value and importance of involving appropriate members of the military and veteran community in each stage of the research project, from design to dissemination. People with lived experience are brought in to work within the project team to facilitate understanding of what this group needs and wants, and to inform the direction and outputs of research. 

Our principles and values serve as the foundation for our research and engagement activities, and our collaborations with partners and stakeholders.  We are committed to our values, which are: 

Making a difference

Producing meaningful, interdisciplinary research that informs policy, practice, and real-world change, to improve the lives of military-affiliated women. 

Building trust

Building trust through open, transparent research practices, meaningful engagement with military-affiliated women and stakeholders, and sharing findings with those who contribute to our work. 

Independent yet connected

Academic independence, authenticity, and challenging power and inequity, whilst remaining connected with key stakeholders. 

Transforming our practice

Reflecting on and transforming the inclusivity of our practice to benefit the communities we serve in recognition of the vital importance of anti-oppression, intersectionality, and trauma-informed principles.