GEN

"I joined GEN as it was established, during the pandemic, and I was so keen to be part of a gender network that wasn’t just being set up for women. Having worked in the defence industry for 10 years, I have frequently been frustrated by the gender imbalance, and while women’s networks do so much good work to try and fix the inequalities, I have attended too many meetings and women’s events where the men are non-existent. I asked myself: 'How are we ever going to achieve real change if the majority of our workforce isn’t engaging with the discussion?'.

 

GEN provides a real opportunity to challenge that and to show people that there are ways we can support women AND men to achieve a gender inclusive workplace, with nobody losing out."

As a woman that works in technology and data I’m often in the minority in meetings and have in the past been subjected to gender discrimination. We have a real opportunity to make a change and part of my reason for joining BAE Systems was to improve gender diversity; I saw that I had skills and experience to help make a real difference.

 

Until we reach gender parity there will always be a need for groups like GEN. It’s not just because it’s the right thing to do but it also makes great business sense. Gender equity has been conclusively shown to stimulate growth, which is increasingly important during these times of economic instability. We have a great relationship too with colleagues in the company’s GENts employee group. They do some fantastic work to raise awareness about male suicide and toxic masculinity. It doesn’t stop there though...what if you don’t identify with either of those genders?

 

That’s why we’re building links with our friends in BAE Systems’ Outlink employee resource group to support those that are non-binary, gender fluid and our trans friends and colleagues to ensure we are a gender inclusive network.

I became involved in founding GEN for a variety of reasons; primarily because I could see the potential and desire for change and I wanted to be a part of helping make improvements and supporting the business on its journey to improve gender balance. The challenges and problems across the D&I sphere that need addressing are multi-faceted and not always immediately evident. I have always enjoyed the opportunity to problem solve, learn and gain insights into new perspectives and alternative ways of working along the way. The scope of GEN as a Gender Network also spoke to me and I advocated our transition from an network that addresses equality to a network that address ‘equity’. It was important to me that everyone be considered and included within the network and see GEN as an Employee Resource Group that could represent, support and advocate for them.

 

I am immensely proud of everyone involved in GEN and everything we’ve achieved to date. It would not be possible to make such an impact without the support of our steering group, network of local business groups and our extensive network of members. I cannot wait to see what a difference we can all make in the years to come!