“Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in transparent exchange of ideas about issues impacting women Veterans.”
The female Veteran population accounts for 10 percent of US Veterans, and that number is expected to grow to 15 percent by 2030. This Veteran population — which is younger and more ethnically diverse than their male peers, experiences unique challenges such as access to gynecologic care during active duty, sexual harassment and a greater likelihood for homelessness and unemployment than male Veterans. In response, the VA will discuss these issues and more at the 2017 National Women Veterans Summit, Friday and Saturday, August 25-26 in Houston Texas.
The purpose of the Summit is to provide women Veterans and the local, state, Federal, nonprofit partners that serve them with information about Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) benefits and services, especially those designated for women Veterans.
This event, will promote forward-thinking dialogue and innovative collaboration among private industry, nonprofit and federal government as well as researchers and caregivers to better assist women Veterans.
Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in transparent exchange of ideas about issues impacting women Veterans; share women-focused research and innovations; and connect with community partners.
Also, attendees will hear from VA leadership and join discussions focused on employment, mental health, entrepreneurship, military sexual trauma, reproductive health, culture change and more. It will also feature an exhibit of artwork created by women Veteran artists across the United States and a special “Voice of the Veteran” panel.
The opening plenary Voice of the Veteran panel featuring five women will set the stage for the rest of the summit with their diverse experiences and concerns of Veterans themselves. These events, along with a display of works by women Veteran artists, offer deeply personal ways to explore the experiences, diversity, resilience, creativity, and humor of women Veterans.
Keynote plenary addresses are from VA Chief of Staff Vivieca Wright Simpson and Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho (Ret.) – first woman and first nurse to serve as the Army’s surgeon general. Breakout sessions will feature speakers from public, private and nonprofit organizations across a wide array of industries to promote dialogue and collaboration.
With an anticipated 800 women Veterans and supporters participating in this event, it is the largest summit ever hosted by the VA’s Center for Women Veterans. It will be a tremendous opportunity to engage in dialogue about issues impacting women Veterans, share women-focused research, and connect with community partners in a lively, interactive environment.
Among other exciting opportunities available during the summit, attendees will be able to record their stories for the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, tour a Mobile Vet Center, submit resumes to companies including IBM and BP, document the Moments that Matter in their lives with VA’s Veterans Experience Office and enroll in VA’s Million Veteran Program.
This event is supported by a range of generous partners including The American Legion, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, BP, Comcast, Disabled American Veterans, General Electric, Health Net Federal Services, IBM, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Optum, Paralyzed Veterans of America, USAA, Veterans Canteen Service, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America and Walgreens.
In addition, corporate sponsors are providing exhibitor tables or sending speakers for panels on topics ranging from employment and entrepreneurship to culture change to mental and reproductive health.
For those of you who are unable to attend, check out the VA Facebook Live Events page and Twitter feed regularly on Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26 for live streams and tweets. Join the online conversation using the hashtag #VAWomenVetsSummit.
