Defence Breastfeeding Network founder wins Inspirational Woman in Defence 2021 title

To mark International Women’s Day, Defence Discount Service launched a campaign to celebrate the achievements and efforts of women working within the armed forces, and the winner has now been crowned.

 The four-week campaign marked the start of a raft of nominations from the defence community to vote for the person who they think should be crowned as the Inspirational Woman in Defence 2021, with the winner set to receive £250 worth of vouchers for Virgin Experience Days.

Taking home the crown is LCpl Natasha Day RAMC, who was nominated for the work she has put into making life easier for breastfeeding women in the defence community. Natasha founded The Defence Breastfeeding Network in June 2020 and continues to support and spread awareness to assist new mothers within The Services. She is also researching the feasibility of issued t-shirts that can easily accommodate breastfeeding mothers and courses to provide education to managers across all levels. 

Commenting on the award and Natasha’s win, Tom Dalby, CEO of Defence Discount Service, said:

“The excellent work Natasha has done really struck a chord with the whole team here at Defence Discount Service. Her passion for the fantastic cause is exactly what the award is about, as not only is she making a difference within the community, her efforts are also having a positive effect on retention and recruitment within the forces.

“Seeing servicewomen bust the stereotypes and break down old-fashioned barriers is amazing to see, and thanks to Natasha’s efforts, women working within defence are now able to lead a full career whilst continuing to provide all they wish for their children.”

Here’s what Natasha had to say on her win:

“I am over the moon to have received this award, and this isn’t just a win for me, it’s a win for the fantastic servicewomen and service families who may have struggled to balance their career with their wish to continue to breastfeed their children. 

“These women continue to be my inspiration to push to normalise breastfeeding in defence.”

The competition was open to those working in all areas of defence, including serving armed forces, reserve forces, MoD civil servants and NATO Personnel Serving in the UK.