Boeing, Women in Defence UK Partner to Accelerate Gender Equity

• New partnership underpinned by joint common purpose to improve representation and awareness of women in defence.
• Builds on Boeing’s commitment to the Women in Defence Charter signed in 2019.

LONDON,  September 14, 2023 - Boeing (NYSE: BA) is expanding its support of women who contribute to the UK’s defence industry through a new partnership with Women in Defence UK. The partnership builds on Boeing’s commitment to the Women in Defence Charter signed in 2019.

Women in Defence UK is one of the largest independent communities celebrating and recognising the achievements of women working in defence of the nation, with the goal of making the defence sector a place where people can thrive and succeed.

“To achieve our ambition, we need like-minded partners that will stand with us to drive change and are equally passionate about our purpose to accelerate gender equity. I am delighted that Boeing is onboard with us,” said Angela Owen OBE, founder of Women in Defence UK.

The announcement was made during a Women in Defence reception in the Land Collaboration Zone at DSEI. As part of the new partnership, Boeing will unite with not-for-profit, public and private sector organisations working across the UK’s defence sector. Together, they aim to challenge thinking on a range of critical topics, from recruiting to workplace policies.

“Boeing has an enduring commitment to our British armed forces, including veterans, reserves and their families,” said Maria Laine, president of Boeing UK, Ireland and Nordics. “We are thrilled to partner with Women in Defence and support their ambition to attract more women to the industry and help create an environment where barriers to inclusion around parenting, mental health and menopause are addressed. We are committed to cross-industry initiatives that drive equity at all levels.”

Enabled by networking and development opportunities, including the annual Women in Defence UK awards, the partnership serves as a forum to celebrate the diverse group of people who work in the sector and inspire future talent. 

As part of Boeing’s broader commitment to growing a more diverse UK workforce, nationwide representative targets have been set, including the goal to reach 30 percent female representation by 2030, an increase on the current representation of 23 percent.

Boeing’s pledge to create an inclusive culture for women is reflected by a range of family-friendly policies in the UK, covering enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave, along with flexible working arrangements that allow employees to balance their day-to-day responsibilities. Boeing and STEM Returners recently partnered to launch a ‘Return Flight’ program in the UK, aimed at supporting individuals back into the workforce following a career break.

About Boeing in the United Kingdom

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 3,800 people, including early careers, veterans and reserves across the country and has spent more than £12bn with the UK supply chain since 2015. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @BoeingUK.