Looking at Military Leadership From a Woman's Perspective

In this study, we tried to examine women's struggles to exist in the military field, the difficulties they experienced and their contributions in this field at different times and in different societies from past to present. It is seen that throughout the historical process, the concepts of war, military service and military leadership have been associated with men and these fields have been defined as male-dominated fields. However, since ancient times, there have been women who have existed in the military field and stood out as leaders. These women opposed the traditional roles assigned to them and played important roles in military activities both in wartime and peacetime. Especially I and II. World Wars and the need for human resources that emerged with these wars paved the way for women to take more part in the armies. On the other hand, the development of the feminist movement and the increasing prominence of the concept of gender equality resulted in an increase in women's representation in the military field, as in other fields. At the same time, today's increasingly changing leadership styles create space for female military leaders, as well as female leaders in other fields. Although the number and representation of female leaders in this field is gradually increasing, it is seen that they still do not have equal representation with men. The development of inclusive policies based on gender equality has the effect of increasing this representation both quantitatively and qualitatively.