BY KRISTINA DAVIS
In a sector defined by discipline, hierarchy, and operational readiness, it can be easy to overlook something as deceptively simple as human connection. Yet for women working across Canada’s defence and security ecosystem — whether in uniform, in industry, in policy roles, or on the front lines of innovation — connection is not a “nice to have.” It’s a critical enabler of performance, retention, leadership, and well-being.
Many women still navigate spaces where they are one of only a few — or sometimes the only one. That can erode confidence, increase stress, and hinder collaboration, particularly in environments where informal networks often drive influence and opportunities. Connection, though, creates a sense of belonging and support that helps women thrive.
And not just networking in the traditional sense—although that’s important, too—but authentic and intentional connection—the kind that builds trust, the kind that creates space to share hard-won lessons, navigate complex challenges, and amplify each other’s voices, the kind that fosters a sense of belonging.
BELONGING DRIVES PERFORMANCE
Research in both the public and private sectors shows that when people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to contribute at a higher level, stay in their roles longer, and take on leadership roles. This is especially important in defence and security, where missions depend on trust and decision-making under pressure is the norm. When women are connected to mentors, peers, and allies, they are better equipped to lead, innovate, and thrive.
Connection also opens doors. For women who aspire to senior roles, connections across organizations and silos often serve as the bridge to opportunity. A word of encouragement from someone further ahead in their career, an introduction that leads to a new position, or a shared insight that sparks a new idea or approach are not just nice moments; they are accelerators of change. And it matters. Connection doesn’t just benefit individual women. It strengthens the whole system.
When women connect across defence and security, across services and sectors, they bring diverse experiences to bear on shared problems. They model collaboration in an increasingly interconnected, yet strangely disconnected world. They build informal coalitions that can challenge assumptions, identify blind spots, and drive inclusive approaches to everything from recruitment to retention to capability development.
We’ve seen this in action through organizations like Women in Defence and Security (WiDS), where cross-sector mentorship, peer support, and professional development are helping women not only enter the field but shape it. We’ve seen it through grassroots initiatives that bring women together to discuss operational challenges, leadership dilemmas, and work-life integration. We’ve seen it at international fora, where Canadian women in defence and security are increasingly visible — and vocal — in shaping global policy and innovation agendas.
CREATING SPACE FOR CONNECTION
Creating space for connection requires commitment from senior leaders willing to sponsor talent, not just mentor it. It also requires organizations that understand diversity is not a metric but a mindset. And it requires commitment from all of us, women and allies alike, who know that no one gets anywhere alone.
And no — this is not “just DEI.” It’s leadership. It’s readiness. It’s resilience. It’s how we attract and retain the best people in a sector that depends on the strength of its people. It still matters. Profoundly.
As we look to the future of Canada’s defence and security landscape, with its increasing complexity, demand for talent, and reliance on innovation, we can’t afford to leave the connection to chance.
We need intentional efforts to build networks across ranks and roles. We need safe spaces for honest conversations about what it means to lead as a woman in this space. We need more visible role models, like the Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, who show the next generation that there is more than one path to success.
And perhaps most of all, we need to recognize that connection is not a distraction from the mission. It is part of the mission. Because when women connect, they build more than just community. They build leadership. They build resilience. They build the future.
Kristina Davis is Lead Public Affairs Counsellor at Compass Rose and serves on the board of directors for Team Rubicon Canada and Natasha’s Wood Foundation. The views expressed here are her own and do not necessarily reflect a CDR editorial position.
