Diversity takes flight as BAE Systems marks International Women's Day

The company’s Air Sector hosted a range of activities across Warton and Samlesbury aimed at communicating issues women face in the workplace and what we can all do to address these.

A series of networking events were held to encourage women to discuss which female role models inspire them.

A women’s career development workshop also took place, with further career events being held throughout the year.

In 2019, 1 in 4 apprentice starters in the Air sector were female, the highest we have ever recruited and we aim to continue to increase this year on year.

Jeanette Pope, Head of Delivery - Industrialisation, who recently won an award for Promotion of Gender Balance at the Women in Defence Awards said: “As BAE Systems develops and becomes a fast paced, technology driven organisation with more complex and diverse challenges than ever before, this creates opportunity for new and fresh approaches to deliver against these challenges.

"A wider variety of role choices, working patterns, the need for diversity of thought and space for creativity, generates a greater and exciting environment for a more diverse workforce.

"In order to meet these challenges, the company has recognised the role women play and is looking to address under representation across the spectrum of roles and grades. It has been a real privilege to be part of this exciting change.”

BAE Systems also supports International Men's Day each year, with activities being planned to mark the day in November.