In a landmark moment for military leadership and gender equality, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, travelled to Canada to witness the appointment of General Jennie Carignon as the head of the Canadian Armed Forces on July 18. 

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender parity within the armed forces, a journey that has its roots deeply embedded in the history of women’s participation in military efforts during the World Wars. 

The story of women in the military has evolved dramatically from the days of World Wars I & II when women first began to participate in the war effort. Despite their eagerness and capability, gender restrictions of the era kept them away from the frontlines, confining their roles to support tasks.

Nevertheless, the historic appointments of General Alenka Ermenc in Slovenia in November 2018, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman in January 2022 and now General Jennie Carignon in July 2024 is revolutionary. 

“As I sat in the appointment ceremony of General Carignon, I reflected on my own journey to the Britannia Royal Naval College in 1993, as an officer cadet and my name tag read ‘Midshipman Kong WRN’, an acronym that meant ‘Women Royal Navy’. This distinction, now a relic of the past, underscored the clear gender distinctions within the same force, highlighting the barriers that women had to navigate within the military. And now to welcome another woman as head of a military is testament to the hard work of women before us like the oldest surviving female veteran of the British Army – Ena Collymore-Woodstock – who was born in Jamaica in 1917 and Canadian Major Edna Esther Andrews who was a decorated World War II veteran who retired as matron of the Canadian Army Nursing Service,” said Vice Admiral Wemyss Gorman.

With two women currently leading their nation’s military forces, it sends a clear message that leadership and excellence in the military are not only defined by gender but by capability, dedication, and the courage to lead. And as nations continue to work towards gender parity in all sectors, including the military, this historic occasion moved past mere “symbolism” as both military heads quickly began to discuss the continued strong partnership between their nations.

This includes the ongoing Canada/Jamaica defence dialogue evidenced in Canada’s support of Jamaica’s Humanitarian Disaster Response operations as well as training and pre-deployment for the unfolding Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti.

The collaboration between Jamaican and Canadian militaries also underscores the importance of international cooperation and shared expertise in addressing global security challenges.

Both leaders have exemplified the determination of women in defence; inspiring future generations to break barriers and lead with excellence as they continue their service.