Sexual harassment common on Afghan bases, soldier said

In letters she wrote home, the late Capt. Nichola Goddard said six women were raped in one week at her Canadian Forces base.

In 2006 Goddard became the first Canadian female combat soldier to die in combat when she was killed in a firefight with the Taliban. According to a new book about her life, Goddard wrote her husband letters which said that sexual harassment, assault, and even rape were common at her base. It’s unclear from her letters who was behind the attacks, but she wrote frequently about Afghan soldiers and civilians who leered at her. She had to be escorted when moving about the base. The Canadian military says it has no knowledge of the specific incidents Goddard was referring to. Studies done in 2003-04 show that conditions for women in the Canadian military have improved, but some women still report harassment from fellow soldiers.