Women make up about 10 percent of the nation’s veterans population, 17 percent of current military personnel and 30 percent of military service academy students. The number of women using VA health services has more than tripled over the last two decades.

But Browley, the head of the bipartisan panel, and women from several veterans groups spoke Thursday about common, persistent problems they face within VA and from society at large.

Past studies have shown one in four women veterans have faced harassment when visiting VA facilities, from both other patients and staff. Despite investment in more women-specific health care at the department, those veterans continue to face problems accessing care. Women who testified at the hearing said many of their peers have walked away from VA because they find it too unwelcoming.

“We need action,” said Ginger Miller, CEO of Women Veterans Interactive. “We don’t need another national portrait campaign. We need national outreach and engagement. We don’t need another male-dominated VSO to represent us at the table. We need to have a seat at the table, and if we can’t, we will continue to build our own.”

Dr. Patricia Hayes, chief consultant for women’s health services at the Veterans Health Administration, said her department has made significant strides in recent years in improving services for women. That includes better gynecological and maternity services, and new training programs to monitor and curb harassment that women veterans may face.