Salvation Army Founder, General William Booth stated: “My best men are women!” On March 8, International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contribution to society. It is the government’s firm belief that increasing women’s participation and access to leadership roles and opportunities helps women and girls thrive, reach their full potential, fulfill their dreams, and help build a more prosperous Canada.

General Booth was deeply influenced by his wife Catherine Booth, who believed that women were equal to men and it was only inadequate education and social custom that made them men’s intellectual inferiors. She was an inspiring speaker and helped to promote the idea of women preachers. The Salvation Army gave women equal responsibility with men for preaching and welfare work.

Over many years the role of women in The Salvation Army has developed, and now every position for both ordained ministers of The Salvation Army and lay members is equal opportunity.

Lt-Colonel Jean Moulton holds a senior position within Salvation Army administration. “The Salvation Army gives women opportunity for many varied roles,” says Lt-Colonel Moulton. “I’ve had opportunity to build on my experience through varied tasks and was supported by mentors and leaders who believed in the importance of the role of women within the organization.”

As an ordained minister of The Salvation Army, Lt-Colonel Moulton has felt fulfilled through her various roles in leadership. They include pastoral leadership of a church congregation, working with offenders and victims of crime, and administrative roles within Salvation Army Social Services and Personnel Services.

Her current position, Secretary for Personnel, is a varied role as it relates to officer/pastor personnel. “Having opportunity builds confidence,” says Lt-Colonel Moulton. “The Salvation Army has given me lots of opportunities to grow, to learn and to take on greater responsibility.”