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2025 Women In Defence UK Award Winners Revealed

Women in Defence UK proudly announces the winners of the 10th Anniversary Women in Defence UK Awards, held on 25 November 2025, celebrating a decade of honouring exceptional women, men, individuals and teams who contribute to the defence of the United Kingdom. 
 
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. 
 
2025 is the inaugural year of the new International Award with 3 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.    
 
2025 Award Winners: 
 
Most Improved Charter Signatory Award  
AIRBUS  
 
Innovation and Sustainability Award 
Rebecca Findlay – Civil Service  
 
Inspirational Award  
Rachel - MI5  
 
International Award  
Capt Khatia Gogaladze - Georgian Armed Forces 
 
Most Collaborative Award 
Major Emily Lawson - British Army 
 
Outstanding Contribution Award  
LNN Abigail Wright - Royal Navy  
 
Resolute Spirit Award  
Catherine Smith, Civil Service  
 
Unsung Heroines Award  
Elena Ktori - Sodexo  
 
Women of the Year 2025  
LNN Abigail Wright - Royal Navy  
 
Emerging Talent Award  
Flt Lt Grace Feetham - Royal Air Force  
 
Championing for Maximising Talent Award 
Bex Gotterson - Serco  
 
Equity of Opportunity Award 
the Defence Fertility Network- Tri Service  
 
Inclusive Teamwork Award 
Terrorist Finance Team - MI5  
 
 
Quotes:
 
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 ten 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.” 
 
 
Event Highlights:

The 2025 ceremony featured keynote speeches, live performances, and tributes to past winners. Photos and video highlights will be available at www.womenindefenceuk.com/awards-2025. 
 
 
Quotes from previous Women of the Year Award winners: 
 
'I didn’t think winning the award would have such a profound effect not just on me but on so many other people’  
Colonel Lucy Giles CBE 1st Women of the Year Award Winner 2016. 
 
'It made me stop and reflect actually what I had done for the business I was in and for the defence enterprise.’  
Beth-Marie Norbury Women of the Year Award Winner 2020. 

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Moya Galal .