For Trooper Justine Gatti, International Women’s Day is about recognising strength in all its forms, not just the visible wins, but also the quiet, everyday resilience that often goes unseen.

Joining the Australian Defence Force nearly eight years ago, Trooper Gatti represents the dual commitment shared by many mothers in uniform.  

Trooper Gatti said it represented the balance between two worlds.

“It’s not about choosing between who I am for my country and who I am for my family,” Trooper Gatti said. 

“It’s about being fully both.”

As an aviation operations specialist, she believes women bring a powerful blend of capability and compassion to Defence.

A typical day involves supporting flying operations – reviewing the flight program, weather and preparing planning products for the aircrew.

'It’s not about choosing between who I am for my country and who I am for my family.'

Trooper Gatti said the most rewarding part of her role was seeing a mission successfully completed from start to finish.

“Because I am involved in the planning, preparation, communications set-up, and real-time tracking, I can see the direct impact of the work that goes into each sortie,” she said.

“When the aircraft returns safely and the mission has been achieved as planned, it’s a clear reflection of effective coordination and attention to detail across the entire team.

“Knowing that my contribution helps enable safe and successful aviation operations is extremely satisfying.”

Trooper Gatti said one of the biggest challenges she faced was balancing operational opportunities, such as deployments or major exercises, with family commitments.

“It has taught me strong prioritisation and time-management skills, and I find other ways to add value to exercises through planning support, operational coordination and mission preparation,” she said.

Her resilience has been tested, and proven, through personal challenges.

'Knowing that my contribution helps enable safe and successful aviation operations is extremely satisfying.'

Trooper Gatti said motherhood has also shaped her leadership style, making her more patient, adaptable and aware of how her decisions affect those around her.

“With the right support, we absolutely can. We serve, lead and contribute just as much as anyone in uniform, while also being there for our families,” she said.

On the hardest days, her children are the reminder she needs.

Trooper Gatti said it was rewarding having her children visit the workplace.

“Seeing their excitement and pride in what I do reinforces the significance of my role and reminds me of the importance of setting a positive example,” she said.

“Their enthusiasm adds an extra layer of meaning to the work I do every day.”