Allyship, joint responsibility, and the evolving participation of women in defence leadership
International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally each year, marking a tradition that began in 1911. In 2026, the event fell on Sunday 8 March, with communities and industry organisations rallying around the theme ‘Give to Gain’. This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of collective generosity, collaboration, and reciprocity to advance gender equality.
Systematiq has firmly demonstrated its support of International Women’s Day once again, actively participating in events and initiatives that embody the ‘Give to Gain’ ethos. The campaign encourages everyone—from individuals to organisations—to contribute in ways that foster opportunity, visibility, mentorship, and advocacy for women. By giving generously, whether through donations, sharing knowledge, providing resources, or investing time, the defence sector helps build a more interconnected and supportive environment for women’s advancement.
At the heart of Systematiq’s engagement was its involvement in the Women’s Defence Connection (WDC) Victoria’s third annual International Women’s Day lunch, held in Melbourne on Thursday 5 March. Reflecting the spirit of ‘Give to Gain’, the lunch theme ‘Balancing the Scales: Shared Responsibility in Leadership’ brought together a diverse panel from the industry, including Systematiq’s own Business Development and Sales Manager, Erin O’Brien.
The event fostered a critical dialogue on allyship, joint responsibility, and the evolving participation of women in defence leadership roles. Both men and women were included to broaden perspectives and ensure allies, listeners, and partners are actively involved in shaping change. As stated by WDC, “gender equity is a journey we’re all on together”.
Erin O’Brien shared that she felt privileged to be part of the panel discussion: “Thanks to the WDC committee for creating an inspiring community and it was great to have the support of my colleagues at Systematiq, which highlights the importance of shared experiences and ongoing collaboration.”
The lunch was further enriched by keynote speaker MAJ Liz Daly and panel facilitator MAJGEN Michelle Campbell, who engaged attendees in meaningful discussions about evolving female participation and the vital role of allyship. MAJ Daly offered words of encouragement to women, stating, “This is dedicated to the women who were told they were too loud, too bold, too ambitious and too much. You were never too much. They just weren’t enough,” reinforcing the message of empowerment.
The International Women’s Day WiDA QLD chapter hosted its event on the evening of Tuesday, 3 March in Brisbane. The gathering drew men and women from across the defence industry, bringing together leading voices from the defence ecosystem—including industry, strategy, and operational domains—to explore Queensland’s strategic role in Australia’s evolving national and international security landscape. The panel discussion addressed topics such as workforce development, leadership, and the prominence of women in policy and national security.
Sascha Sinclair, Systematiq’s Head of Sales and Marketing attended the WiDA QLD event and reflected on the experience: “It was a privilege to participate in the International Women’s Day event alongside such passionate and talented professionals.
“It is events like these that showcase the remarkable energy and enthusiasm driving positive change within the industry, reinforcing the value of community and collaboration in striving for gender equality.”
Balancing the scales
Systematiq’s commitment to International Women’s Day extends beyond a single date. By supporting initiatives like the WDC lunch and advocating for inclusive leadership, Systematiq is helping to forge a future where gender equality is achieved through abundant giving, shared responsibility, and collaborative effort. The ‘Give to Gain’ campaign serves as a reminder that when women thrive, the entire industry—and society—benefits, underscoring the power of intentional generosity and mutual support.
As the defence sector continues to evolve, Systematiq stands as a proud supporter of International Women’s Day championing the values of inclusion, empowerment, and positive change. Through active participation, leadership, and allyship, Systematiq is helping to balance the scales and create opportunities for women to succeed, ensuring that progress towards equality remains a shared journey, and that the defence industry grows stronger together.
