Women in Defence UK exists for a community of people who wish to promote the value of women in defence. We aim to encourage women to succeed authentically, share experience, build networks and encourage talent at all levels to join the defence sector.’
The inaugural Women in Defence Awards were announced this month, following huge support with more than 200 nominations across the five categories.
General Richard Nugee, Chief of Defence People, presented the inaugural awards at the Honourable Artillery Company’s Headquarters on Thursday 13th October.
The 200 nominees were whittled down via a stringent judging process carried out by a variety of leaders from business, professional bodies and government.
The winners are:
- Inspirational Award – Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Giles
- Outstanding Contribution Award – Lieutenant Colonel Emma Hutley RAMC
- Most Collaborative Award – Flight Lieutenant Harriet Tadikonda
- Special Award – Joint Winners – Heledd Kendrick and Steward Janine Mayoll
- Promotion of Gender Diversity – Amelia Gould
The overall Women in Defence Award 2016 was presented to Lieutenant Colonel Lucy Giles.
RAF Policewoman Flt Lt Harriet Tadikonda was one of the winners, her efforts saw her win the ‘Most Collaborative’ award as founder and director of the ‘One Voice Initiative’. This brought every faith society across Defence together to form a multi-faith and humanist choir in the name of co-operation and tolerance.
In August 2015, tri-service singers, four civilian choirs and the musicians of the Band of the RAF Regiment all came together at RAF Northolt to record the final movement of the five part symphony composed by Flt Lt Harriet Tadikonda.
‘A Path to Peace’, the One Voice Initiative’s single was formally released at an event held at The International Anoopam Mission Temple in December 2015, with the hard copies of the single selling out within minutes of the launch and all proceeds donated to SSAFA – The Armed Forces charity.
On receiving her award, Flt Lt Tadikonda said: “I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside some extraordinary and visionary people on the One Voice project. This award is devoted them and the utterly inspiring servicewomen who were also nominated or won awards. There are now an increasing number of women in high profile roles within the MOD – it is an exciting time to be a woman working in defence.”
Amelia Gould, BAE Systems, won the Promotion of Gender Diversity Award at the prestigious event, with her colleague, Vaughan Meir, being named runner-up.
“We were particularly proud because we were the only two industry representatives to get through to the finals,” said Amelia, who began her career in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineering Officer. “I think it’s so important to get the message out that there are a huge range of opportunities for women in engineering, science and technology.”
John McCollom, Head of Engineering BAE Systems, said: “We believe it’s vital to promote positive role models in the industry.
“We are proud to recognise and celebrate the work of women in the UK’s defence industry by sponsoring the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ category in the Women in Defence Awards and even more proud that not just one but two members of our team became finalists.”
Colin Paynter – Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: “Airbus are delighted to support the inaugural Women In Defence Awards. Being a European company, Airbus takes pride in the diversity of its staff. The company thrives on the mix of ideas, vision and knowledge such a combination of people and cultures creates. Airbus believes that bringing together teams of people from lots of different social and cultural backgrounds not only makes work more interesting for them, but it helps them to be more creative and do a better job for our customers – reflecting the diversity of the world we live in and the customers we serve.”
Next week we speak to the founder of Women in Defence, Angela Owen, about the awards and her thoughts on increasing diversity.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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