‘no more week’ and IWD at Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Whilst it’s a very busy time within the Security and Estates Directorate, I’m pleased to be writing to you to raise awareness of some really important dates for those of us who work in Defence.

This week, the world celebrates ‘no more week’, an international get together to raise awareness of, and to end, domestic abuse and sexual violence. As Defence’s Senior Domestic Abuse Awareness Champion, I encourage you all to look into any events that are taking place this week around the subject.

Domestic abuse and domestic homicide have been discussed widely in the news recently, so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the Defence Domestic Abuse Survivor and Community Awareness Network, which has just celebrated its first anniversary. The network is inclusive for all and provides a protected, peer support community for survivors in Defence as well as those who wish to become an ally. I urge everyone to increase their own understanding of what constitutes domestic abuse. By doing this, we can support each other and ensure that those affected get the support they need.

On the note of inclusion, I also want to celebrate International Women’s Day. On 8 March let's stop and reflect on what we can do to raise awareness about gender equality and inclusivity. This year's campaign is #InspireInclusion, highlighting the crucial role of inclusion in achieving gender equality.

International Women's Day is important every year, but given the conversations we are all having about our experiences of being a woman in Defence, it feels more relevant now than ever before.  We all have an individual duty to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all are valued and respected.

On International Women's Day this year, I will be supporting the MOD Chief Operating officer in a number of speed mentoring sessions which will follow a panel session on allyship and inclusion.

I do want to thank all of you for working hard to ensure that both DIO and Defence are inclusive, equal and positive places to work. There is lots more to do so please continue and set the precedence for all staff for now and into the future.