As an organisation that is instrumental in facilitating connections and collaborations in the wider Queensland Defence Industry, QDSA seeks to increase sovereign capability through all available resources and offerings.
One of these essential resources is the contribution of women in the industry. Undoubtedly, some of the finest minds in STEM and Defence are female, and this year we honour this through our support of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, 8 March 2022.
International Women’s Day 2022 – Break the Bias
Historically, the most coveted roles in Defence and science have been dominated by men, but we are privileged to witness this rapidly changing.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Break the Bias”, and there is no other industry where this theme is more relevant than in Defence.
The International Women’s Day website offers the following explanation of this year’s theme:
“Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”
Women in Defence and Science
Every day at QDSA, our work leads us to new connections with talented women – some who are young and establishing their fledgling careers and others who have been courageously forging new pathways for women for many decades. One thing holds, though, the presence of women in science and Defence is growing, and the industry will benefit and grow as a result.
Women in Defence Technology Conference 2022
International Women’s Day comes right on the heels of another significant event this year – the Women in Defence Technology Conference on 18 February 2022.
The much-anticipated event was many months in the making, previously postponed from October 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
A stellar line-up of speakers was in attendance, further proving women’s significance in Defence technology today. Keynote speakers included:
- Air Vice-Marshal Julie Hammer
- Director-General Health Reserve of the Royal Australian Air Force Amanda Dines
- Managing Director, L3Harris Micreo, Sarah Earey
- Director of Aerospace, Jacobs, Giuliana Marshall
- Director, Eighth Mile Consulting, David Neal
- General Manager, RPS Group, Tracey Wilco
Minister of Defence Peter Dutton also attended, describing his support as a “celebration of trailblazers” in the defence space.
QDSA Executive Support Officer Tori Brown joined delegates at the conference, which offered another opportunity to build connections for future collaborations and funding opportunities provided by Queensland Defence.
QDSA Celebrates International Women’s Day 2022
Queensland Defence Science Alliance has chosen to support and celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.
Throughout March, the Queensland Defence Science Alliance will shine a light on women in research, science and Defence by publishing a series of articles. These articles will showcase notable women we have made connections with and who are changing stereotypes.
We can’t wait to introduce you to some of the powerhouse women making waves in the industry and supporting the efforts of International Women’s Day to #BreakTheBias.
QDSA Upcoming Events and Opportunities
QDSA has many upcoming events and opportunities, with more being added each week. Want to find out what is on the horizon? Check out our News section on our website here or subscribe to our e-newsletter here.
For real-time events and information, be sure to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) is a university-led initiative to grow and connect an agile Defence innovation ecosystem, leveraging Queensland’s strengths, to deliver trusted solutions to meet Defence requirements.
