‘One of the older men catcalled me’: new research reveals the RSL’s woman problem

Andrew Prevett; Ben Wadham

‘One of the older men catcalled me’: new research reveals the RSL’s woman problem

College of Education, Psychology and Social Work

Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article

25 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Imagine serving your country overseas, returning home and feeling unwelcome in the very place meant to support you.

That’s what happened to a 44-year-old Australian Army officer who attended a local Returned and Services League (RSL) lunch while on leave.

She recalls:

One of the older men catcalled me – when I raised it with the president, he dismissed it as “boys will be boys”. As a still-serving commissioned officer, it was deeply upsetting. I never returned.

Her story is far from unique.

Our research from the Open Door Initiative at Flinders University reveals many women feel unwelcome in RSL spaces. Some leave. Others never join.

Original language	English
Specialist publication	The Conversation
Publication status	Published - 21 Aug 2025

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Keywords

Gender equality
ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps)
Veterans
War veterans

Access to Document

Final published versionFinal published version, 565 KBLicence: CC BY

https://theconversation.com/one-of-the-older-men-catcalled-me-new-research-reveals-the-rsls-woman-problem-262613Licence: CC BY

1 Abstract
1 Article

Combatting Cultural Hysteresis: Renewing Veteran Clubs for Today’s Diverse Community
Prevett, A. & Wadham, B., 20 Oct 2025, p. 122. 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review

Open Access
The Unfolding Crisis: An Exploratory Study of the Struggle for Inclusivity and Relevance in the Returned & Services League of Australia
Prevett, A., Wadham, B., Fischer, J., Short, M., Lâm, J. & Saikia, U., 15 Jan 2025, In: Journal of Veteran Studies. 11, 1, p. 16-29 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Open Access
File
155 Downloads (Pure)

1 Other

National Media Commentary on Veteran Inclusion and Anzac Day Traditions
Prevett, A. (Participant) & Wadham, B. (Participant)
20 Apr 2026
Activity: Other activity types › Other

Cite this

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‘One of the older men catcalled me’: new research reveals the RSL’s woman problem

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Research output

Combatting Cultural Hysteresis: Renewing Veteran Clubs for Today’s Diverse Community

The Unfolding Crisis: An Exploratory Study of the Struggle for Inclusivity and Relevance in the Returned & Services League of Australia

Activities

National Media Commentary on Veteran Inclusion and Anzac Day Traditions

Cite this