International Women’s Day: Driving Diversity and Opportunity in the Defence Industry
As International Women’s Day (IWD) arrives, it serves as a moment not only to reflect on the strides women have made but also to address the opportunities and challenges still ahead, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as defence.
While this day highlights the diversity of women’s experiences, it’s also a time to share advice with those looking to break into the industry, and explore emerging trends that shape our future.
A key theme of IWD is the celebration of women’s achievements. Today allows me to highlight my mum as my role model, and I’m proud to continue the morals and values I have learnt with my two daughters. I look forward to the future when we won’t need a specific day to celebrate the diversity of women’s experiences, in that we should be recognising women whether it's in the workplace, home, or in our communities on a regular basis.
Working in the defence industry has given me a unique perspective on how vital women are to the success of the sector. Defence has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this is changing, and women are increasingly playing pivotal roles in shaping its future. For anyone considering entering this industry, my advice is simple: go for it. The sector needs your talent, perspective, and skills more than ever.
I’m passionate about helping more women break into this field, especially because the opportunities are growing. Defence, engineering, and technology are evolving at a rapid pace, and women have a chance to influence that progress. It’s no longer about fitting into a mold that has existed for decades—it’s about helping to shape new ways of thinking, new innovations, and new approaches that make the world a safer place.
For women who are considering a career in HR, I encourage you to view the role as an opportunity to be a champion for people. HR is a crucial support system for employees, balancing their needs with the needs of the business. You’ll be a catalyst for cultural change, diversity, and inclusion, which are all essential to the future of our industry. In my own experience, I’ve found so much reward in knowing that I’ve made a difference in people’s lives. I still keep the cards and messages from colleagues who’ve told me that my work made an impact, and that’s what makes HR such a fulfilling career.
Looking ahead, there’s so much potential for women in the defence industry. The sector is evolving, and as we continue to drive innovation and growth, we need more women to step forward and contribute their unique perspectives. Whether it’s in HR, engineering, technology, or other areas, women have the ability to lead and to shape the future. We’re seeing progress, but there’s still work to do to make sure women have the opportunity and support they need to thrive in this field.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, my message to women considering a career in defence is this: your talents are needed now more than ever. Don’t hesitate to pursue a role in this industry—there is space for you to make a difference, to lead, and to create a lasting impact. The defence industry is changing, and women will be at the forefront of that transformation.
To see what opportunities are currently available at Saab UK, head to the careers page here: https://bit.ly/48Zm30e
Written by Rebecca Clark, Senior HR Business Partner at Saab UK