Diane Allen OBE Why defence needs its

Distinguished Lecture Series Event Invitation: Tuesday 25th January 2022, 18:00-20:00.
Online webinar: Why defence needs its #militarymetoo moment - an inside look at diversity and inclusion in the Armed Forces.
Guest speaker: Diane Allen OBE.
Chair: Professor Tim Evans.
Diane Allen OBE
Author, Transformation Consultant, Military Veteran
As one of the first women to attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the 1980s, Diane has witnessed the changes in military culture over 30+ years - as full-timer and part-time reserve. From when women were commissioned as secretaries and ‘flower arrangers,’ where there were no boots small enough for them and no beds for them, to all combat roles opening up to women, in 2018.
She experienced the highs and the lows of military life - from the streets of Northern Ireland, to receiving an OBE, but also being interviewed by the military police on false charges. She resigned in 2019, in protest at the poor treatment of military women, and men.
Leaving the military allowed her to speak more freely. She published a book, Forewarned, in 2020 - using her own story as backdrop. The book has become a call to arms for those experiencing military abuses, in UK and internationally and led to the military #MeToo moment in 2021. Diane took her campaign to parliament and teamed up with Sarah Atherton MP. The subsequent inquiry saw 4000 women speak up on their experiences - and the report revealed widespread abuses of military women and veterans. The military can be a good career for women - but when it goes wrong, there are no safety nets.
Diane received an OBE in November 2018 and was recently shortlisted for a Women in defence award for the work related to equality and diversity in the Armed Forces.
Diane will talk about why equality, diversion and inclusion cannot be taken for granted, especially behind the walls of one of UK’s oldest institutions. Defence is a necessarily robust and rough microcosm of UK society and its people must be strong enough to fight againt those who do not play fair, yet at all times play fair itself. She explores why the role of defence is ultimately to ensure that all citizens can live under the freedoms we have chosen - but also why it remains such a challenge for serving troops to treat each other with dignity & respect.
The Women in Defence Inquiry: Report: Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life - Committees - UK Parliament
Middlesex University’s Distinguished Lecture Series is managed and chaired by Dr. Tim Evans, Professor of Business and Political Economy. Designed to present students, members of staff and the wider community with world class speakers these events focus on some of the most pressing issues in 21st century social policy and business.
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