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This month, the Dutch Defense presented their new body armor specifically designed for female soldiers. In the presence of Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren, photos were taken, and a press release was quickly published online. It’s clear that they are proud of it. And rightly so. However, I have mixed feelings about the new body armor for female soldiers. In this article, I’ll explain why.
Female soldier should be able to work safely
In the press release about the body armor, which is worn to protect the upper body against explosions and shrapnel, Defense starts with stating the obvious. “Women, like men, should be able to perform their work optimally and safely. Appropriate equipment, protective gear, and clothing are not only pleasant for themselves, but above all, it benefits the operation. The better the equipment fits, the better the freedom of movement. This also leads to a reduced risk of injuries and downtime.”
Although it’s obvious to everyone that women have different bodies than men, it’s apparently important to explain why they need appropriate workwear. Shopping streets are full of clothing stores selling separate collections for women and men, but it works differently with workwear than with casual clothing. Often, women have to wear men’s workwear, which is offered under the guise of ‘unisex.’ While the clothing is not unisex, but made for the male body.
Men in women’s workwear
I once discussed this with workwear designer Bas van Wayenburg. He mentioned that women have been adapting to the male body for so long, while the opposite is not the case. Let’s reverse the text of the press release.
“Men, like women, should be able to perform their work optimally and safely. Appropriate equipment, protective gear, and clothing are not only pleasant for themselves, but above all, it benefits the operation. The better the equipment fits, the better the freedom of movement. This also leads to a reduced risk of injuries and downtime.”
This sounds quite odd, doesn’t it? Moreover, if men were to receive a clothing package made for women from their employer, suddenly the world would be in an uproar.
Right to proper workwear
Later in the press release, Minister Ollongren emphasizes once again why the new body armor is necessary.
“Military personnel often perform their duties under difficult and dangerous circumstances. Ollongren: “It is therefore necessary to offer women suitable uniforms and equipment for their safety and resilience.”
These kinds of press releases make my skin crawl. They categorize women as beings with different needs. As if it’s extraordinary that they need to be well protected during combat. This isn’t the first time this has happened either. When Defense sent female uniforms to Ukraine in September 2023, a similar text was published.
While women should receive just as good protective gear as men. In fact, legally, as an employer, you are obligated to provide your staff with appropriate workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s not a choice but an obligation. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t specify what ‘appropriate’ exactly means, so women are often left to the employer’s judgment. Or rather, the societal perception of what a woman needs.
Society full of misogyny
As soon as Minister Ollongren shares the press release about the body armor on X (Twitter), it becomes clear what this societal perception looks like. The comment with the most likes is made by a man making a joke. “I would focus more on sanitary pads for men.” The likes and comments show that people find the comment amusing and funny.
But, as with many jokes, there’s a grain of truth in it. The fact that female body armor is compared to sanitary pads for men shows that people consider it unnecessary. Because just as a man (born with a male body) doesn’t need sanitary pads, a woman doesn’t need body armor. It’s quite a strange comparison. As if there are no women in Defense, as if they don’t fight in the military. And people laugh about it. It’s a good example of how our society, often unconsciously, is full of misogyny. We know that there are women who work hard, but they are still often undermined. Instead of having a lot of respect for women in Defense, they are not even taken seriously.
Top woman speaks up
So, is it only people outside of Defense who look down on female soldiers like this? Unfortunately, no. Two months ago, Het Financieele Dagblad published an interview with Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan, Woman of the Year 2023. After a career of almost thirty years at Defense, she now holds the position of Deputy Director-General. She had herself photographed in her uniform, both front and back. There was a large clip on her back, shaping the blouse. Even without reading the article, you already knew what it would be about.
O’Sullivan mentioned that there have been problems with female uniforms within Defense for years. Women wear clothing made for men, so it never fits properly. She mentioned that women with a fuller chest automatically get an oversized shirt. As a result, it only fits well around the bust; the rest is way too big.
The knowledge is there, now the determination is needed
This article shows how big the problem is. After such a long career, being honored and given the opportunity to say something, she chooses to talk about women’s workwear. That says something.
Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s very good that she addresses this in a national newspaper. At the same time, it’s also cringe-worthy. Because this is a problem that can be solved. It’s about workwear and personal protective equipment for women, not about discovering a new galaxy. There are so many experts and people who deal with appropriate workwear daily. The knowledge is there, now the determination is needed.
Because that’s exactly where it goes wrong. The new top woman explained in the interview how this works in practice. ‘For years, questions have been raised about the uniforms of female military personnel. About the mandatory tie, about our pants and blouses, which are made for men. They simply don’t fit because they’re not designed for female bodies. But nothing ever happens.’
With the new body armor, a step has been taken. A small one, but it’s a step. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that workwear should protect you, regardless of your gender. There is still too much thinking from a patriarchal perspective, where the belief prevails that women only want to look beautiful. Or even stronger, they must look beautiful. Whereas they just want to work safely.
“Fix the system, not the woman.” – Woman Inc
Greetings,