On March 8, we recognise International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe. It is a time to reflect on the advancements made toward gender equality, while recognising there are still barriers to overcome.
The theme this year is Balance the Scales, which is a promise that every woman and girl – regardless of background or identity – should be safe, heard, and free to shape their own lives. Equality is not about advantage for some; it’s about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.
In the lead up to IWD, we sat down with Assistant Project Manager Kate Dore to discuss what this day means to her and the importance of gender diversity in our industry.
What attracted you to a career in the defence industry, and how did you decide this was the right path for you?
During my studies, I was required to complete a work‑integrated learning unit that involved demonstrating project management capabilities. Normally, the university would source a placement, but due to my study load at the time, I was advised I would need to wait until after completing my degree. I was determined not to delay my progress, so I began looking for summer internships that would allow me to meet the requirements and continue moving forward. Initially, I applied broadly across a range of industries. I hadn’t specifically considered defence until I was offered an interview with Babcock, one of the parent companies of H&B Defence. Once I learned more about the organisation and the wider industry, I became genuinely intrigued. I went on to complete my internship with Babcock, and from that point, I was hooked.
What started as a practical requirement quickly became a clear career direction. I found the work meaningful, challenging, and aligned with my strengths. The environment pushed me to grow, and I realised how much opportunity there was to contribute to something larger than myself.
Since then, I’ve progressed from an undergraduate role to a graduate position and now into an Assistant Project Manager role with H&B Defence. Each step reinforced that this is the right pathway for me.
The defence industry has allowed me to develop rapidly, work with purpose, and continue expanding my capability – and that’s what confirmed it was the right fit for my career.
What has been the most valuable learning experience in your time so far?
The most valuable learning experience has been understanding how complex and interconnected defence projects truly are. Working across multiple stakeholders, government, industry partners, suppliers and internal teams has taught me how critical communication, structure, and disciplined project management are. I’ve learned how to navigate ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and maintain momentum in environments where decisions have long‑term national impact. Those lessons have shaped my confidence and capability more than anything else.
Have there been any moments that surprised you or challenged your expectations?
I was genuinely surprised by the scale of the defence industry and the sheer number of roles, pathways, and specialisations involved in delivering capability. Before joining, I had a very narrow view of what “defence work” looked like. Seeing how many different skill sets contribute to meaningful outcomes, from engineering to logistics to commercial to project management, it completely reshaped my understanding of the industry.
What skills or knowledge areas are you most excited to develop next?
Now I am in my Assistant Project Manager position, I am excited to learn, test and further develop my leadership skills.
What does feeling included and supported look like to you at this early stage of your career?
Feeling included and supported means having people around me who genuinely want to see me succeed, and that has absolutely been my experience so far.
I’ve been surrounded by colleagues and leaders who believe in my potential, trust me with responsibility, and encourage me to step outside my comfort zone.
Knowing I can ask questions, seek guidance, and be backed through challenges has made a huge difference in my development.
What does gender diversity mean to you at this point in your career?
For me, gender diversity is about ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, grow, and be recognised for their capability. Personally, I’ve always believed that performance and professionalism should define your career, not your gender. While defence has historically been male‑dominated, I’ve never felt limited or excluded, and I think that reflects the positive shift the industry is making.
Have you encountered any assumptions or stereotypes, and how have you navigated them?
I haven’t experienced overt stereotypes, but I have occasionally sensed surprise when people realise how young I am relative to the responsibilities I hold. I navigate this by focusing on preparation, professionalism, and delivering high‑quality work. Once people see your capability, any assumptions tend to disappear quickly.
What excites you most about the future of your career in defence?
I’m excited by the scale and ambition of the projects ahead. Defence is evolving rapidly, and being part of that growth, especially from the early stages of a new project, is incredibly motivating.
Seeing something start small and develop into a major capability outcome is rewarding, and I’m looking forward to contributing to larger, more complex programs as my career progresses.
How does International Women’s Day resonate with you as someone just starting out in your career?
International Women’s Day is a reminder of how important visibility and representation are, especially in industries that have traditionally been male‑dominated. While I’ve personally felt supported and respected in defence, I recognise that not everyone has had the same experience. IWD highlights the progress we’ve made and the importance of continuing to create environments where women feel confident pursuing careers in defence and STEM.
What message would you share with other young women considering a career in defence or STEM?
I would encourage them to go for it, even if it’s not a path they initially imagined for themselves. Defence and STEM offer incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact. You don’t need to have all the answers from day one; curiosity, willingness to learn, and confidence in your capability will take you far. Surround yourself with people who support your development, and don’t underestimate what you can achieve.