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This day holds significance as it honours the remarkable achievements of women globally, amplifies the call for gender equality and women's rights and propels the ongoing march towards a more inclusive society. It serves as a beacon, shedding light on persistent gender disparities, fostering dialogue and celebrating the indispensable contributions of women across all sectors, including defence and security, exemplified by companies like QinetiQ.

For me, this year’s theme underscores the importance of cultivating an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, feels empowered to share their unique perspectives and talents. It entails actively fostering diversity, ensuring all voices are heard and represented, thereby fostering innovation, collaboration, and ultimately, success.

At QinetiQ, our commitment to corporate responsibility and societal impact extends beyond mere words. In observance of International Women’s Day, and our dedication to Social Value, we proudly sponsored the Cyber Security Explorer Day event at Aston University, aimed at inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The event, attended by a hundred students from local Birmingham schools, serves as a beacon of hope in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields, nurturing interest among young women in technology and coding careers.

Anitha Chinnaswamy, Deputy Director of Cyber Security Innovation Centre, Aston Business School:

"It’s been so much fun today, so much energy and the room was buzzing! We have very limited female representation in the Cyber Security sector and I think we have to inspire these young minds, with more capabilities than they recognise and motivate them to explore this field. Let’s bring out our strengths and become the best versions of ourselves with our contributions!”

Furthermore, our internal events throughout March reflect our dedication to fostering an inclusive workplace for our female colleagues. From discussions with Forces Wives in the UK to roundtable sessions with our Women’s Network Group in the US and similar initiatives in Australia, we are actively engaging in dialogue and action to promote gender equity within our organization and beyond.

As an advocate for women's empowerment and equality, I view International Women’s Day as a call to action. It urges us to reflect on how we can cultivate environments that inspire women’s inclusion and foster a sense of belonging. I stand committed to challenging biases, amplifying women's voices and supporting initiatives that advance gender equity, both within QinetiQ and in society at large. Together, let us pave the way for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at QinetiQ.