Women Empowering Defence

📌 WED Weekend Ponders “Where might control be getting in the way of progress?” Control can feel responsible, especially under pressure. But sometimes it quietly slows momentum and limits growth. Let this sit with you over the weekend. #WEDWeekendPonders #LeadershipReflection #IntentionalLeadership #LeadershipPause #LeadWithClarity #EmpoweredLeadership

⏳ Just one week to go! The Women Empowering Defence CIC (WED) team is looking forward to being at @DPRTE 2026 and connecting with so many brilliant people from across the defence community. If you’re attending, come and find us at Stand 171. We’d love to say hello, share what we’ve been working on, and talk about the exciting plans ahead for WED. See you there! #DPRTE #WomenEmpoweringDefence #WomenOfDefence #DefenceCommunity #Networking #Leadership #StrongerTogether

✨ The Power of Positivity in the Workplace ✨ In this insightful article, #WED Ambassador Kate Haskell of Avantis Performance explores why positivity is far more than just a “feel-good” mindset, it’s a strategic advantage for organisations. Drawing on experience and research, Kate highlights how positive workplace cultures help create psychological safety, stronger collaboration, innovation, and improved performance. When people feel respected and valued, they are far more likely to share ideas, challenge thinking, and bring their authentic selves to work. The article also explores the quieter impact of negative cultures, where criticism, lack of recognition, or closed decision-making can slowly erode trust, silence diverse voices, and limit opportunity. 💡 Positivity starts with leadership, but it’s something every individual can contribute to. Small actions; listening, recognising effort, and encouraging open dialogue, can help create workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. At Women Empowering Defence CIC, we believe conversations like these are key to building stronger, more inclusive cultures across the defence community and beyond. 📖 Take a moment to read Kate’s article and reflect on the kind of workplace culture we all want to help create. #WomenEmpoweringDefence #WorkplaceCulture #PositiveLeadership #PsychologicalSafety #InclusiveLeadership #Leadership #WorkplaceWellbeing #WomenOfDefence #DefenceCommunity #NationalSecurity #Government #Innovation #TeamCulture #StrongerTogether womenempoweringdefence.com/the-power-of-p…

#WED26 - The Annual Leadership Conference bought to you from Women Empowering Defence CIC! ⏳ Just one week to go until we unveil the full details of our annual flagship Leadership Conference and open the ballot for #WED26. This year's theme: Leadership that Inspires Defence: Empowering People, Enabling Impact and Accelerating Change at Every Level. We can’t wait to share what’s in store - can you? 🌟 This premier event is designed to elevate leadership, foster collaboration, and empower every participant to lead with impact. Expect insightful sessions, inspiring speakers and interactive workshops. Save the date in your calendar and stay tuned for the agenda, registration details, and ballot information to be released this time next week. We’re excited to see your energy, ideas, and leadership in action! 🚀 Will you be applying for a ticket? #LeadershipConference #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #DefenceLeadership #Empowerment #FlagshipEvent

On Tuesday we had the pleasure of hosting our annual International Women’s Day celebration. This year’s theme was Uncomfortable Leadership exploring the realities, challenges and growth that come with leading authentically, even when it isn’t easy. Moderated by Tarah Mason from the Women Empowering Defence CIC Leadership Board, we were joined by an exceptional panel of senior leaders from across Government, Defence and National Security: • Katy Barrow-Grint, Deputy Chief Constable, Gloucester Constabulary (@Glos_Police) • Catherine Gregory, Head of Commercial, Defence Equipment & Support (@DefenceES) Maritime • Jacqueline Pickard de Hagerty Pickard de Hagarty, Director Consulting, CGI (@CGI_UKNEWS) • AVM Jo Lincoln MBE, Commandant General Royal Auxiliary Air Force & Director Reserves, Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) Each of these remarkable women brought different experiences, personalities and leadership journeys, yet their messages were strikingly clear: ✨ Be authentic ✨ Know what matters to you ✨ Lead with empathy ✨ Don’t judge ✨ Active listening is essential ✨ Learn to be a good human being ✨ Consistency wins The conversation was honest, insightful and truly inspiring. A huge thank you to our incredible International Women’s Day 2026 partners, @PaloAltoNtwks and especially Alistair Redfern and Annabelle Grainger for their continued support. And finally, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a meaningful event. We truly appreciate your support and commitment to the WED community. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD26 #Leadership #UncomfortableLeadership #WomenInLeadership #WED

@NatashaMDay Fab to see you both as always ❣️

Buzzing from an incredible event today. As always, @WEDUKNetwork brought together a room full of energy, honesty, and unapologetic ambition and the panel did not hold back. Candid, challenging, and deeply inspiring, offering a perspective that will with me long after tonight!

@Foxy2Para @YeomanWarder417 Take that up with Ms Jacquline at next leaders meeting❣️ don't miss that one we are off for dinner too!

@WEDUKNetwork @YeomanWarder417 Wasn’t invited 👀

Post International women’s day @WEDUKNetwork event debrief with @YeomanWarder417 👌🏼

@ZoboDav @Foxy2Para @YeomanWarder417 Thank you for coming Zoe, sorry only got to see you in the lift on way out! See you soon ❣️ #WED26

@Foxy2Para @WEDUKNetwork @YeomanWarder417 Photography skills on point! 😛

🚀 Are You Going to DPRTE 2026? Let’s Connect! 🚀 We’re excited to share that Women Empowering Defence CIC (#WED) will be attending DPRTE – Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability this year! DPRTE is one of the UK’s key defence events, bringing together MOD, industry, SMEs, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of defence capability, procurement, and collaboration. With a focus on innovation, skills, supply chains, and exportability, it’s the perfect place to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen the defence ecosystem. ✨ We’re especially honoured to have been asked for the second year to chair the Keynote Arena on Day 1 (25 March). We’re thrilled to announce that Jacqueline Pickard de Hagerty, a member of our Senior Leadership Board, will be stepping into this role on our behalf. This reflects WED’s ongoing commitment to driving inclusive, forward-looking conversations in the defence sector. If you’re part of our network, or would like to be, we’d love to meet you at DPRTE! Whether you’re attending as an exhibitor, speaker, or delegate, come say hello. Let’s connect, share ideas, and explore how we can strengthen the defence community together. 🎟️ Register for your DPRTE ticket here: dprte.co.uk/?utm_source=de… We hope to see you there! 👋 #WED #DPRTE2026 #DefenceInnovation #STEMLeadership #Networking #DefenceCommunity #WomenEmpoweringDefence

⏳ Just two weeks to go. In two weeks’ time we will be launching the Women Empowering Defence CIC #WED26 ticket ballot and unveiling the full agenda 🎉 Behind the scenes, an incredible amount of work has gone into shaping a programme that brings together voices from across Government, Defence and National Security. We cannot wait to finally share the timetable of events with you all, from powerful conversations and thought-provoking panels to opportunities to connect with an inspiring community driving real change across the sector. WED26 is going to be something truly special, and this is just the beginning. Watch this space… the countdown is officially on. 🚀 #WED26 #WomenEmpoweringDefence #WomenofDefence #DefenceCommunity #WomenInNationalSecurity #Leadership #Events #WomenInGovernment

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women across #Government , #Defence , and #NationalSecurity who are driving change, breaking barriers, and shaping the future every single day. At Women Empowering Defence CIC (#WED), we are proud to be led and inspired by people who don’t just talk about progress, they make it happen. From our newly formed Impact Team, to our exceptional WED Ambassadors, to the many inspiring women across our network advocating for change within their organisations and across the sector, your work is transformative. A special acknowledgement to the incredible women on our Strategic Leadership Board: your vision, commitment, and relentless drive to build a more inclusive, representative, and forward-looking defence and national security community are what make this network truly powerful. Today, we celebrate the impact each and everyone of our members are making, the barriers you continue to dismantle, and the pathways you are creating for the next generation of leaders. Happy International Women’s Day ❣️ #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #WomenOfDefence #WomenInNationalSecurity #Leadership #WomenSupportingWomen #GenderEquality #DiversityAndInclusion #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBarriers #EmpowerWomen #DefenceLeadership #InspiringChange #NextGenLeaders @CGI_UKNEWS @SandersonGDplc @AmazonUK @Mastekltd @Oracle @Atos @cirencoll

📌 WED Weekend Ponders “What are you holding onto that no longer needs you?” Not all leadership impact comes from doing more. Sometimes it begins with noticing what’s no longer serving your forward motion. Let this sit with you over the weekend. #WEDWeekendPonders #LeadershipReflection #IntentionalLeadership #LeadershipPause #LeadWithClarity #EmpoweredLeadership

In this episode of #WEDTalks, we hear from Hannah Riekemann-Wood, WED Ambassador, former Chief Mate, defence contractor, and working parent. Hannah shares a candid and thought-provoking perspective on what it really means to raise a family while working in the naval and wider defence sector ⚓👶 From an unexpected journey into the Merchant Navy to navigating dual-career households, long deployments, and policy gaps, Hannah explores why defence cannot afford to lose highly trained talent simply because people choose to have children. This conversation goes beyond individual experience. It challenges organisations to take a hard look at retention, flexible working, and accountability and asks whether current systems truly support the people defence relies on most. If you care about leadership, workforce sustainability, and building defence organisations fit for the future, this is a must-listen 🎧 👉 Listen now and join the conversation on how defence can do better — for parents, for women, and for the sector as a whole. womenempoweringdefence.com/wedtalks-paren… #WeDTalks #WomenEmpoweringDefence #DefenceLeadership #ParenthoodAtWork #MilitaryFamilies #NavalCareers #TalentRetention #InclusiveLeadership #FutureOfDefence ⚓✨

🚀 Are You Going to DPRTE 2026? Let’s Connect! 🚀 We’re excited to share that Women Empowering Defence CIC (#WED) will be attending DPRTE – Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability this year! DPRTE is one of the UK’s key defence events, bringing together MOD, industry, SMEs, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of defence capability, procurement, and collaboration. With a focus on innovation, skills, supply chains, and exportability, it’s the perfect place to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen the defence ecosystem. ✨ We’re especially honoured to have been asked for the second year to chair the Keynote Arena on Day 1 (25 March). We’re thrilled to announce that Jacqueline Pickard de Hagerty, a member of our Senior Leadership Board, will be stepping into this role on our behalf. This reflects WED’s ongoing commitment to driving inclusive, forward-looking conversations in the defence sector. If you’re part of our network, or would like to be, we’d love to meet you at DPRTE! Whether you’re attending as an exhibitor, speaker, or delegate, come say hello. Let’s connect, share ideas, and explore how we can strengthen the defence community together. 🎟️ Register for your DPRTE ticket here: dprte.co.uk/?utm_source=de… We hope to see you there! 👋 #WED #DPRTE2026 #DefenceInnovation #STEMLeadership #Networking #DefenceCommunity #WomenEmpoweringDefence

🚀 Frontline News from #WED is Landing Today 🚀 March invites us to reflect, renew, and ride the momentum of spring, with a sharp focus on growth personally, professionally, and collectively. Across WED, we’re planting seeds that strengthen leadership, deepen connections, and create lasting impact across defence and security. 🌱💪 This edition feels especially meaningful as we celebrate Women’s History Month and approach International Women’s Day. It’s a moment to honour the trailblazers who paved the way and to amplify the voices shaping the future today. From celebrating leadership to sharing stories of influence, courage, and mentorship from the WED Ambassador network, March is about visibility, recognition, and action. 👩‍✈️✨ Look out for the momentum across the #WED ecosystem, preparations for #WED26, leadership reflections shaping what’s ahead, and the launch of new initiatives like WED Weekend Ponders, designed to foster thoughtful, intentional leadership. We’ll also continue to spotlight voices through #WEDAsks, #WEDTalks, #WEDReads, and 'In Their Shoes', keeping lived experience at the heart of our community. 🎤📚 This Frontline News is a reflection of you, the leaders, allies, challengers, and changemakers who make WED what it is. May it inspire you to pause, reflect, and move forward with renewed purpose. 🚀 We would love to hear: which story or initiative in this issue resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and how you’re contributing to leadership and mentorship in your field. 👇 If you would like a copy of this months edition, please email web@womenempoweringdefence.com #WED #WomenEmpoweringDefence #Leadership #WED26 #WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #DefenceLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion #FrontlineNews

As part of #WEDAsks, Women Empowering Defence is pleased to share this interview with Joanne Latham, owner of Ebeni Ltd. In the interview, Jo reflects on her career journey, from growing up in the North East and studying Computer Science at Newcastle University, to co-founding Ebeni and leading complex, safety-critical programmes across defence, aerospace, and transport. The conversation explores: ✨ Career paths that evolve rather than follow a fixed plan 💡 Leadership under pressure and supporting teams in high-stress environments 🧠 Mental health, resilience, and psychological safety 🚀 Navigating the defence and engineering sectors as a woman 🎯 What success really means, both professionally and personally This WED Asks interview highlights the value of inclusive leadership, open conversations around wellbeing, and empowering people to thrive in demanding industries. Read the interview now: lnkd.in/e9PdnXk6 #WEDAsks #WomenEmpoweringDefence #Leadership #MentalHealth #EngineeringLeadership #WellbeingAtWork @contact_ebeni

@AcquahNoel @UNWomenUK Thank you Noel, and you are an amazing male ally! We are grateful to have you as part of #WED ❣️

@WEDUKNetwork @UNWomenUK Incredible ambassadors. Thank you for all you do.👏

🌍 Proud to be part of @UNWomenUK CSW70! Members of our team; Natalie Maddox-Hussain, Jodie Evans, Claire Webber, Hannah Riekemann-Wood, Dr Victoria Carr, Vikki Stanley, and Gemma Foster are participating in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). This year’s priority theme focuses on: • ⚖️ Ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, and addressing structural barriers. The review theme explores: • 🗳️ Women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. We are incredibly proud to see our team contributing to these critical discussions on advancing gender equality globally and driving meaningful change for women and girls everywhere. 💪✨ #CSW70 #GenderEquality #WomenEmpoweringWomen #Leadership #GlobalImpact #Empowerment #TeamWED

🎥 Why Empowering Women in Defence is More Critical Than Ever! The defence sector is facing unprecedented challenges: evolving threats, rapid technological change, and the need for innovative, agile thinking. Diverse perspectives are no longer “nice to have” — they are essential for success. Empowering women in defence isn’t just about fairness or representation, it’s about improving decision-making, strengthening leadership, and driving innovation across the sector. 💡💪 In this reel, we hear Major Richard Cole's take, having been a speaker at #WED25 last year. Are you ready for #WED26? 🎉 Ticket ballot opens in 4 weeks — stay tuned! #WomenEmpoweringDefence #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership #Innovation #Empowerment #WEDAsks #STEM #DefenceCareers