Women Leaders Paving the Way for the Future of Defence: International Women’s Day on the Hill 2026

On March 5, 2026, Parliament Hill hosted International Women’s Day on the Hill, an event presented by Elevate International that highlighted women's leadership in the context of global stability and economic progress. Themed "Lead Change," the event assembled women leaders, policymakers, and innovators from various sectors to discuss inclusive leadership, economic empowerment, and the pivotal role of philanthropy.

Elevate International’s Founder, Solange Tuyishime, opened the event by reflecting on the impact of women's leadership on societal improvement. She emphasized the necessity of including women in decision-making to effectively serve the entire population and advance inclusive leadership.

A key panel discussion titled "Women Leading in Defence: Security, Sovereignty and Leadership in a Fractured World" featured prominent figures from Canada’s defence, procurement, semiconductor, and space sectors. This timely dialogue underscored the increasing need for women's leadership in defence, especially amid geopolitical instabilities. Speakers highlighted the critical role of women in driving innovation and ensuring that Canada can respond effectively to changing global dynamics.

Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, stressed the urgency for women’s inclusion in strategic roles: “If women are not at the decision-making table… then Canada will not move fast enough.” This sentiment was echoed throughout the discussions, with a focus on how women's perspectives can accelerate advancements in national defence.

Rebecca Thompson, Market Director for Defence and Security at Area X.O, pointed out the importance of research and development in fostering emerging technologies like autonomous systems and robotics. She articulated the need for agile leadership to facilitate rapid development and implementation of these technologies in real-world scenarios, underlining their importance for national security.

Paula Folkes, Assistant Deputy Minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, discussed how women's risk-taking abilities position them well to lead during times of change. She noted that successful transformation in defence requires leaders, especially women, to leverage new tools and strategies for ensuring national safety.

Throughout the day, discussions emphasized actionable strategies for elevating women into leadership roles, including strengthening mentorship and aligning institutional goals with inclusive growth. The event reflected a collective commitment to empowering women leaders and positioned the Ottawa-Gatineau region as a center for defence innovation.

The overarching message from International Women’s Day on the Hill was clear: advancing women's leadership is crucial not just for equity but as a foundational element of economic strength and national resilience. By bringing diverse voices to the table, the event aimed to inspire collective action toward a more inclusive and secure future.