NORTHWOOD, U.K. – Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone, Commander, Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) hosted a workshop in honour of International Women’s Day March 8 for the civilian and military women working within the international staff of MARCOM.

Fifteen women, both those in uniform and those not, joined Admiral Johnstone at his residence, where they met Louise Tulett, Director of General Finance for the U.K. Ministry of Defence, and Captain Ellie Ablett (GBR), the founder of the Royal Navy’s Naval Servicewomen Network.

Mrs. Tulett and Mrs. Ablett gave a brief background of their careers before the entire group divided in two for more in-depth conversations.

"It was interesting to meet the other women working in MARCOM; it allowed military and civilian women [the opportunity] to discuss and discover the profile of career they have, and to introduce themselves and establish connections,” said Lieutenant Christine Godelain (FRA), Future Operations Staff Officer, Maritime Air Operations.

The discussions touched on differences between nations, personal experiences, career paths and goals, and how women can work together to support one another and act as role models to encourage more women into leadership positions within the military and government sector.

"It was productive in the sense that I had no idea how other nations felt about the subject. It taught me a lot about female personnel from other countries, and their experiences,” said Warrant Officer Sam Vercruysse (BEL), Staff Assistant, Training and Exercises.