News articles

International Women's Day 2022

Personnel.

The RAF are ‘breaking the bias’ of gender inequality and stereotypes with a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce, where difference is valued, and women’s achievements are celebrated. 

The RAF are joining International Women’s Day 2022 celebrations, with several events across the week praising the achievements of women and identifying ways to improve opportunities in the Services.

The RAF Women in Defence Network attended a formal reception with leading women across the military and from the fields of business, politics, and the arts.  Guest speakers and female Chelsea Pensioners attended the State Apartments of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to join the celebrations, with drinks and canapés.

Personnel shouting with rifle.

A landmark collaboration saw the RAF team up with the W Series, an international single-seater motor racing championship for female drivers.  Together they aimed to eradicate gender imbalance and inspire young girls to seek careers in their respective industries, promoting the opportunities for woman in the workplace.

Both the W Series and RAF share roles for drivers, pilots, engineers, and mechanics; yet the military and motorsports are both sectors traditionally dominated by male staff.

W Series visited 4 Flying Training School at RAF Valley, where the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots are trained.  In return, they showed how operations both on and off-track are conducted, from pit-stops to driver briefings.

"We are delighted to take our linkages with W Series to the next level.  The RAF is the first branch of the British military to open every role to women and our shared values with W Series for equality makes us both passionate for addressing gender imbalance in our sectors.  For the RAF, it is imperative for a 21st century fighting force to harness our people’s unique backgrounds, talents, and perspectives – our future success and security depends on it.  This is especially true today as our female personnel actively support our air operations within NATO and further afield.  I hope young women see how motorsport and military aviation, two highly rewarding and adventurous careers, are not just open to them but also offer them truly rewarding careers that will fulfil their potential.  It doesn’t get much more exciting than this!"

Group Captain Turk
Station Commander, RAF Valley

Read more about past collaborations between the RAF and W Series.

Engineer working.

Meanwhile, InsideAIR celebrated the success of Mandy Hickson, an inspirational leader who is the second women to fly a Tornado GR4 on the frontline.  Mandy saw an impressive career as a fast jet pilot in the RAF, before becoming a Volunteer Reservist, publishing her own book, and owning a business - hear more below. 

The Defence Women’s Network held workshops that celebrated inspirational women from careers in sports, STEM, and industry, encouraging them to take control of their career.  Topics around integrity and resilience under leadership, and the power of language were also explored.

Pilot in cockpit.

The Women's Inclusive Network presented awards for the achievements of those creating a positive impact in innovation, leadership, excellence and allyship.  Workshops also shared the experience of women in part-time work; engineering; leadership; the legal sector; and those within the LGBTQ+ community or from an ethnic minority background.  A workshop to improve CVs for women recruitment and the importance of female physiology on sustainable health and success, as well as menopause were also held.

Personnel at computers.

‘Everywoman’ joined the RAF Gender Network to celebrate women’s success.  Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall and Air Vice Marshal Maria Byford shared their experiences when leading with impact, during a virtual coffee morning.  ‘Everywoman’ offers free membership here.

Personnel on airfield with Lightning aircraft in distance.

The MOD Gender Network explored how to tackle imposter syndrome, which hinders success, and boost confidence and self-assertion.  The Defence Breastfeeding Network also joined a workshop to discuss wellbeing and the work-life balance.

Personnel on Parade.

Read more about some of our inspirational Servicewomen.