1、Gender equality as a catalyst for aerospace and defense transformationPhoto by Kearney alumThis paper examines the barriers hindering womens advancement,from historical to current workforce dynamics,in ADS and other sectors.We include highlights from in-depth conversations we have had with exception

2、al women leaders in top ADS companies about their own progress and focus on the actions that can improve conditions for women in armed forces and industry today.This exploration culminates in a set of initiatives to undertake system-widefrom the elementary schools that shape young girls minds to gov

3、ernments and industryto dismantle the barriers,including support for females in science,technology,engineering,and math(STEM)fields.Maximizing the talent poolof women and other underrepresented groupsis imperative for future success,whether that be of the individual,an organization,or a nation.To un

4、derstand how far we have to go,lets look back for a moment at how far we haveand haventcome.Barriers to diversity:glass ceilings and career ladders missing rungs The term“glass ceiling”is so deeply engrained in our cultural vernacular that we forget how relevant it still is.Coined in 1978 by Marilyn

5、 Loden,glass-ceiling barriers are alive and well yet seemingly invisible when they go unacknowledged and unaddressed:unconscious bias,lack of sponsorship,and worklife balance challenges,among them.Related behaviors persist,too,such as assigning domestic-like tasks to women more than men in the workp

6、lace.Having women disproportionately handle activities such as obtaining gifts,preparing briefing packets,and booking group travel arrangements reinforces stereotypes.Microaggressions can thrive,including mansplaining,microinvalidation,maternalizing,and competence-questioning.“Career ladder”is anoth