On Friday September 13, the Victorian government and Women’s Defence Connection hosted the Land Forces Women of Defence Breakfast, an invitation-only event for women to hear from senior female defence industry leaders.

MC’d by Katherine Ziesing, head of communications for Hanwha Defence Australia (and former editor of ADM), attendees heard from speakers including Gabby Costigan (former head of BAE Systems Australia), Victoria’s Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins, and Victorian defence advocate Professor Regina Crameri.

“I’ve proactively made sure in having the portfolio for women, as well as jobs and industry, that I can put thought into how to advocate for women in male-dominated industries,” Minister Hutchins said. “For years I’ve worked in male-dominated industries, and I’ve seen the challenges first-hand.

“When we talk about gender equality, there’s no silver bullet. There are many pieces that we as a government through policy, but also businesses, need to address to make our workplaces more equal for women.”

Minister Hutchins noted the theme of ‘Positioning Women in the Defence Industry for Success’, and said one of her proudest career moments was to advocate for affirmative action in Victorian Labor to have 50 per cent women at the table and elected to parliament. From her first address on the issue, the effort took 33 years.

“Targets work,” Minister Hutchins said. “Sometimes you don’t just need a carrot, you need a stick. That can force the change.”

Minister Hutchins also noted that 30 per cent female participation in a workforce is the threshold at which culture begins to change: “Numbers matter.”

Professor Crameri said the best decision she ever made was to take a job for DSTG, where she helped special forces soldiers with musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

“You have to be careful with how people talk to you,” Professor Crameri said. “Sometimes what they actually mean, is a sign of respect. But it wasn’t always easy.”

Gabby Costigan – currently Group MD of Business Development for BAE Systems globally – said she ‘felt nervous’ addressing a room of women, a relative rarity in a male-dominated sector.

“It’s great to see so many women eager to succeed in this industry,” Costigan said. “As we continue to strive for gender quality, it’s essential to recognise the hurdles that women encounter and work collectively to overcome them.”

Costigan acknowledged her poor experiences of harassment and bias throughout her career.

“The culture has changed significantly,” Costigan said. “But stereotypes persistently plague women in male-dominated industries. I was always underestimated. Myself and my female colleagues made sure we excelled where we could not meet [men] with physical strength.

“The culture can be isolating for women. Locker room banter, exclusion – it can create an environment where women can feel like outsiders. A lack of inclusion can really affect job satisfaction and overall well-being.”

Costigan spoke of her extensive private sector experience but said she has ‘hit her head’ on the glass ceiling ‘many many times’, and hopes now she has finally broken through it.

“I have faced the same challenges, but I have also learned a lot from exceptional male leaders,” Costigan said. “My advice to you is that women can be trailblazers by supporting each other and challenging the culture. It is the power of the team.

“We are paving the way for future generations.”