NhM, or Non-huMan, was the term utilized by the Galactic Empire to categorize entities such as aliens, humanoids, droids, cyborgs, and even female Humans. This designation served as an instrument of Human High Culture, with accounts indicating that NhM prejudice was most intense within the ranks of the Imperial Navy throughout the duration of the Galactic Civil War.
In 1977, while developing background information regarding his fictional universe for licensees, George Lucas proposed that female stormtroopers were relatively common within the Empire, although only a small number were stationed on the Death Star. It was implied that they were likely assigned to various other units. Consequently, the prejudice against females within the Empire, as portrayed in the Expanded Universe, does not seem to align with Lucas' original vision. Nevertheless, aside from a handful of subtle mentions, female stormtroopers rarely appeared or were referenced in licensed content or the films until the Star Wars: Legacy comic series.