Women In Defence: a stronger tomorrow
We envision a future where women play an integral role in shaping defence, security, space, quantum technologies, policies and operations. We strive to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and foster an environment where women are supported to thrive as leaders and innovators across these key sectors.
Women in Defence in Numbers (EU)
ministers in senior positions who are women. 75% are men. Surely we can do better.
in both cabinet level and junior. Some European countries don’t have a woman in cabinet at all.
women in EUROPOL (European Union Agency for Law Enforcement) in leadership whose remit is to make Europe safer.
Our objectives
To promote gender equality and empower women in the defence and security sectors across Europe and the world. Our mission is to create a more inclusive, diverse, and robust defence community by supporting and advancing the careers of women in this critical field through mentorship, education, exposure, events, introductions and networking.
Advancement
We facilitate access to leadership positions and decision-making roles for women in defence sectors.
Support
We’ve created a robust network of women professionals in defence and the related sectors to share experiences, advice, and mentorship.
Networking
We organise events, seminars, and gatherings to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among women in defence.
Advocacy
We conduct research to identify opportunities and advocate for practices that support inclusion.
Women In Defence Who Inspire...
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the european commission
Served as Germany’s Minister of Defence from 2013 to 2019, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She implemented various reforms in the German military and played a crucial role in shaping EU defence policies.
Federica Mogherini
Rector of the College of Europe
Served as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 2014 to 2019. She was instrumental in negotiating the Iran nuclear deal and enhancing the EU’s global security and defence strategy.
Florence Parly
French Minister of the Armed Forces
Serving as France’s Minister of the Armed Forces since 2017. She has overseen significant defence initiatives, including modernizing the French military and enhancing the country’s cyber defence capabilities.
Radmila Šekerinska
North Macedonian Minister of Defence
Serving as the Minister of Defence for North Macedonia since 2017. She played a pivotal role in the country’s accession to NATO and has been a strong advocate for military reforms and regional security cooperation.
Margarita Robles
Spanish Minister of Defence
Serving as Spain’s Minister of Defence since 2018. She has been an advocate for gender equality within the Spanish armed forces and has worked on various international defence collaborations.
Kajsa Ollongren
Dutch Minister of Defence
Serving as the Netherlands’ Minister of Defence since 2021. She has focused on enhancing the Dutch military’s capabilities and increasing international defence cooperation.
Defence Career Possibilities
European External Action Service (EEAS)
Diplomatic Security Officers, Intelligence Analysts, Crisis Response Coordinators
European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
Border Control Officers, Frontex Liaison Officers, Risk Analysis Officers
Military and Defence
EU Military Staff (EUMS), Military Intelligence Officers, Special Operations Forces within EU missions, Cyber Defense Specialists
EUROPOL
Cybercrime Specialists
Counter-Terrorism Analysts
Organized Crime Investigators
Europol Intelligence Officers
National Law Enforcement
Police Officers
Counter-Terrorism Units
Cybercrime Units
Financial Crime Investigators
Customs and Border Protection
Customs Officers
Border Security Agents
Immigration Enforcement Officers
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Analysts
Network Security Engineers
Ethical Hackers/Penetration Testers
Information Security Managers
Corporate Security
Corporate Security Managers
Security Consultants
Loss Prevention Specialists
Executive Protection Specialists
Financial Crime Investigators
DefenCe Contractors
Defence Analysts
Systems Engineers
Defence Project Managers
Research Scientists (Weapons and Defence Systems)
this could be you…
Meet Wida
Name: Wida Arvidsson
Age: 37
Job Title: Cybersecurity Specialist
Workplace: European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)
Hometown: Helsinki, Finland
Education: Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Helsinki
One of Wida’s proudest achievements was leading a team that developed a groundbreaking encryption method, which significantly enhanced the security of communications within the EU. Her innovative approach earned her the prestigious “Cyber Defender of the Year” award.
Yes, Wida is mythical, but this could be you…
Women in Defence Awards
Women in Defence Awards
Yes, and more points will be earned for women who owned at least 50% of their company at the time of inception if you are a startup or scaleup. If you represent a corporate or government organization the same points will be earned if your organization supports you in participating as a partner of the event.
Yes, if it is related to defence, security and space and the fields outlined in our objectives, we will carefully consider all suggestions.
Yes, it is free to participate in the Global Women in Defence Awards for members of the Women in Defence and Security Alliance. Membership is free of charge and the applicant must be a member for a minimum of 2 years which can span from before to after their application and any nominations and awards in order to qualify.
Fair question. In addition to being able to reference a nomination or win for this award, you’ll also get past the 1st round of the AI Awards in Los Angeles 2025, if your company utilizes AI. Additionally, we represent around €100Bn in potential investments and are partnered with Fortune 500s and government organizations who are willing to support with funding, mentorship and connections to make the path to your dreams in the defence and security sector has smooth as possible.
Applications will be accepted via this website 3 months before the awards are granted.
Women in Defence Security Alliance
Invited as honorary member
Stefanie Dr Babst
Former NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General – strategic advisor, author. 22+ years at NATO, author and speaker
invited as Advisory member
Tiina-Laisi Puheloinen, FI
Finnish Defence Forces since 1990’s, 1st Female Major in the FDF reserves, active reservist, Kosovo (KFOR) mission as a peacekeeper (CIMIC officer).
ADVISORY MEMBER
Johanna Huure, FI
International investment promotion and talent attraction agency for the capital of Finland. Programs include 90 Day Finn and 9 days for investors.
invited as honorary MEMBER
Sarah Jane Meharg, CA
Global authority on post-conflict and disaster reconstruction and recovery. WID Award 2020. Assistant professor, researcher advising on conflict zones like the Balkans.
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kate Lynch, USA
Intersection of space tech, geopolitics and innovation, commerce, and the convergence of deep tech.
Our events
We organise a variety of events, including leadership workshops, networking luncheons, crisis management exercises, diversity conferences, mentorship programs, research forums, and awards ceremonies, all aimed at empowering and advancing women in the defence sectors. These events foster professional development, community building, and advocacy for gender equality within the European Union’s defence and security fields, and on a global level.
1
July, 2024
Defence Leadership Network
20
November, 2024
Global Women in Defence Awards
A Slush Side Event
Free Event
