South African Women in Defence (SAWID) gathered on 28 August 2025 at the Mobile Deployment Wing, Swartkop in Pretoria under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building the Future” to celebrate the contributions of women in the defence sector. The event was attended by South African Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, alongside SANDF leaders, industry representatives and members of the defence community. The keynote address highlighted the critical role women play not only in the SANDF but also in shaping South Africa’s industrial and technological landscape.
By Jarryd Sinovich
While defence is often associated with military operations, it is also a driver of economic growth. Advanced manufacturing, aerospace, maritime technology, cyber security and systems engineering developed for defence feed into the broader economy, strengthening logistics, telecommunications, energy and infrastructure. Each contract awarded and innovation tested creates jobs, supports localisation and enhances industrial competitiveness.
Transformation and inclusivity were central themes of the address. Women-owned and youth-led enterprises must gain meaningful access to defence procurement and supply chains. Real change comes from actual participation, not just representation on paper. Training programmes, bursaries, apprenticeships and internships are vital to increasing women’s participation in STEM fields, creating pathways to careers as engineers, scientists, pilots, shipbuilders and cyber defence experts.
Despite progress, the defence sector remains male-dominated, limiting innovation and competitiveness. Unlocking women’s full potential is critical for advancing South Africa’s defence industry, boosting industrialisation and positioning the country as a continental leader in advanced technologies.
The keynote concluded with a call to action: industry leaders must open supply chains to women, policymakers should align procurement with measurable transformation goals, educators should expand access to STEM for girls and women in defence must continue innovating and leading.
When women lead in defence, the nation is more secure, inclusive and prosperous. The march goes on.
