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Women in Defence: Institutional Change Under Pressure: Progress, Procurement and Power
Description
In this episode we present the audio from the recent online event organised by ADM Women in Defence and National Security and the Women in Defence UK organisation. The event commenced with an introduction from the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs.
The event's MC was Angela Owen OBE, founder of Women in Defence UK, and the discussion panel consisted of Karin Vosmansky, Executive Director at Mack Valves Pty Ltd, Kisa Christensen, Director for Integrated Defence and Autonomy Systems (IDAS) at BAE, Donna Sinnick, Chief Delivery Officer at Babcock International Group, and Pete Burden, CEO of KDC Products.
The discussion begins with a focus on the collaboration between Australia and the UK defence industries, highlighting initiatives like AUKUS Pillar 2. It explores how companies are adapting to a rapidly changing strategic environment characterised by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). It also covers Nova Systems' evolution from test and evaluation into broader mission integration and assurance.
We get an insight into the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining women in defence roles, particularly engineering. Panelists stress the need to start recruitment early, combat stereotypes, enhance work-life balance flexibility, and foster a supportive culture within both Defence and industry partners like Babcock International Group, who actively promote female representation on boards and executive committees. The panel also touches upon leveraging dual-use technology for national resilience beyond defence alone and pathways into careers via secondments or diverse roles.
Links:
ADM's Women in Defence and National Security
https://admwomenindefencenetwork.com.au/
Women in Defence UK:
https://www.womenindefenceuk.com/
https://www.womenindefenceuk.com/charter
Babcock’s “Next Line of Defence” report and their SME Charter:
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