Annually on March 8, thousands of events are held around the globe to celebrate International Women's Day, an event that is currently celebrated in 28 countries. This year's theme is Inspiring Change and "calls for challenging the status quo for women's equality and vigilance inspiring change." AFCENT has chosen several women to highlight that exemplify this year's theme...


MAJ. JENNIFER M. AUPKE
HH-60G Pilot
13 years, USAF

"I hope I inspire change everyday by always giving my best and never passing an opportunity help someone in need."

Aspirations for women's equality:
I hope for women's equality in the form of open opportunity- where all positions are filled with people that are qualified to fill them, mentally, physically and emotionally- without restrictions to compete based on gender. I also hope for women's equality in the form of increased emphasis of the stability and health of each airman's family unit. As more women join the Air Force, and are a critical piece to an All-Volunteer-Force, the Air Force should create more substantial and flexible maternity leave, and allow spouses to share that leave to create a maximum amount of coverage for new mothers. By demonstrating fundamentally the level to which it values military spouses, families, and mothers, the Air Force would take a bold step towards promoting equality for women who serve. I also hope to see more open-to-family opportunities such as the accompanied and sponsored tours that some enjoy here. Women's equality means valuing our women for what they bring to the fight- family, loyalty, love, dedication, teamwork and creativity- and not expecting them to ignore the fundamental roles that they inhabit. I see the Air Force is moving in these directions and it makes me proud to be a part of it!


TSGT. EBONY HAMPTON
Knowledge Operations
14 years, USAF

"I inspire change by always being so positive, keeping a smile, and making the best of every situation. My happiness rubs off on people."

Aspirations for women's equality:
My hopes are probably the same as many other individual's hopes too. I hope for more freedom for women in all overseas locations and also to continue to see women in high positions. Traveling in the military and visiting various locations, I realize how great we Americans have it...meaning freedom that we all do take for granted. The cultures are so different. I would absolutely love for the other countries to allow their women to be less restricted. Women in the U.S. are allowed to do so much more from something as simple as driving or having a say in a matter to being amongst the leadership of an organization, etc. It would be nice to see them speak more freely and to get more involved without fear of repercussions or reprisals. I'd like to see them walk around more freely and not covered up in some countries. I am sure many feel negative thoughts and animosity towards American women due to us not having those restrictions. I'd like for them to feel equal.