Lines of Defence - Women at the Frontlines of Change

Canada’s defence and security sector is at a hinge moment, but are our systems designed to deliver? Join a high-level, cross-sector gathering of women shaping the decisions that matter and help define what must change.

Canada’s defence and security sector is entering a period of accelerated transformation shaped by geopolitical pressure, rapid technological change, workforce constraints, and rising expectations on delivery.

At the same time:

• Entry pathways are not the only issue: the system struggles to attract, retain, and advance women into positions of decision-making authority
• Decision-making authority remains unevenly distributed
• Delivery increasingly depends on coordination across sectors
• Institutions are still designed for a different era

The result: a growing gap between ambition and the system’s ability to deliver. This conversation is about closing that gap.

Bringing together women from"

• Canadian Armed Forces
• Federal government
• Industry
• Academia and research

This is a strategic working session designed to examine how power operates across the system and to generate actionable recommendations for change.

Info: Senior leaders will engage directly on the core question:
Is the system, as currently designed, capable of delivering on Canada’s defence and
security ambitions?

Info: Participants will engage in facilitated conversations in curated table groups, where they
will:
 Identify where challenges show up in practice
 Surface what is driving them
 Develop 1–2 actionable recommendations
These insights will be synthesized into The Power Shift White Paper, informing sector-
wide recommendations. You will not just attend. You will contribute.

Info: The afternoon will conclude with a hosted networking reception, offering the opportunity
to:
 Continue conversations in a more informal setting
 Build connections across sectors and experience levels
 Deepen relationships with women working across Ottawa’s defence and security
community

Info: Sharing the actions and ideas that came out of the table discussions.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The Power Shift