Women In Defence UK 10th Anniversary award winners revealed

Image courtesy Women in Defence UK
 
This milestone event which saw more than 500 people from across the Defence Enterprise come together, recognised 33 finalists across 11 award categories, spotlighting the extraordinary achievements of individuals and teams working in defence, from the Armed Forces to industry and government. The ceremony underscored the organisation’s enduring purpose and commitment to accelerate gender equity in defence. 
 
This year featured the new International Award with three finalists from Georgia, The Royal Kingdom of Brunei and Sweden. 
 
In addition to the category winners, LNN Abigail Wright of the Royal Navy was named Women of The Year 2025. She joins an extraordinary list of women who demonstrate the range of roles, backgrounds, experience and expertise across the defence enterprise.    

Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP said: "These winners and finalists represent the best of UK defence, and their extraordinary achievements will inspire countless others to enter the defence community and succeed.  
 
“Our government is backing women at every level – through our new female veterans forum, improved training and equipment, better pay, the Raising Our Standards programme and more. I pay tribute to the team behind the Women in Defence Awards UK and will build on their crucial work, because when talent can thrive, our entire UK defence sector becomes stronger and more effective." 

Angela Owen OBE, Founder of Women in Defence UK: “For 10 years, the Women in Defence UK Awards have welcomed entrants from across the defence sector, from those working in the supply chain and industry to those serving in the armed forces. The Awards play an essential role in recognising outstanding people and teams who strengthen and inspire our defence community. Marking this anniversary milestone is an immense moment of pride. There is still work to be done but the Women In Defence UK community are proud of our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable and forward-looking defence enterprise.”  

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: "It is an honour to celebrate outstanding women in Defence who embody what our sector can achieve at its best – pushing boundaries, fuelling innovation and growth, inspiring the next generation and keeping our country safe. 

"As a veteran myself, I am determined to remove barriers so more women can serve. We’re delivering real change: new policies on menopause and breastfeeding, improved female fit uniform and body armour, greater career flexibility through our ZigZag Career Pathway pilot, and genuine independence in investigating unacceptable behaviour. Our message is clear: we have your back.” 

Women in Defence UK is an independent not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2011 by former Army officer Angela Owen OBE.