The EU Space and Defence Industry Diversity & Inclusion Network

Welcome to DIVERIS!

Together, let’s shape a future where diversity drives innovation and resilience.

Mission

DIVERIS aims to break down barriers, promote equal opportunities, and champion inclusive practices in the space and defence sectors. By working collaboratively with stakeholders across Europe, we strive to create a workplace culture where everyone —regardless of background — can contribute, thrive, and lead, enhancing innovation and competitiveness.

DIVERIS aims to:

Build a resilient workforce: Enhance access for underrepresented groups and reduce barriers to career opportunities in the space and defense industry
Increase Representation: Raise the presence of women and underrepresented groups in these sectors, including in leadership and technical roles through implementation of inclusive workplace policies.
Attract and Retain Talent: Improve the industry's ability to attract and retain diverse talent, boosting innovation and employee satisfaction.
Raise Awareness: Increase sector-wide awareness and advocacy for diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Support Policy Development: Actively contribute to EU policies that promote diversity and inclusion within the space and defense sectors, in line with post-2025 equality related strategies.

Why DIVERIS Matters?

The space and defence industry face a critical lack of diversity and inclusion, with factors like gender, age, employment status, and social background limiting access and participation.

What Europeans think

88%

of citizens consider a social Europe to be important to them personaly

54%

believe their will be a more social Europe by 2030

Standard of Living

seen as the most important social priority for the EU

Diversity in defence and space industry now

53%

of employees have explicitly expressed the idea that the defence, aeronautics, and space sectors are not welcoming.

36%

of European space sector are in the 49-58 age bracket

< 20%

of workforce in defence, aerospace, and space sectors are women

47%

of employees with disabilities are dissatisfied with their companies’ accommodations

However, data shows that organisations with greater diversity are more competitive and innovative than those without.

Inclusion and diversity impact on industries

19%

more innovation revenue in companies with higher diversity

61%

of European job seekers prioritise company’s diversity and inclusion commitments

25%

lower employees’ turnover rates in companies with high diversity

Learn more about the results of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion survey in Aeronautics, Defence and Space sectors (2022) by pressing here.

DIVERIS is here to ensure that diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but integral components of the EU’s space and defence industries.

What DIVERIS does?

Through targeted actions and initiatives, DIVERIS is shaping the future of the space and defence sectors. The activities include:

Establishing a network of Facilitators and Trailblazers to drive diversity and inclusion.
Conducting workshops and training sessions.
Running awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of diversity.
Collecting and analysing diversity data to guide informed decision-making.

Membership

Membership in DIVERIS is open to organisations and individuals committed to diversity and inclusion in the space and defence sectors.

Facilitators: Individual members who actively support and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organizations.
Trailblazers: Organisations pioneering innovative Diversity & Inclusion strategies and leading significant change in the sector.

Have a question or want to join the DIVERIS network?

Send us an email to: DEFIS-EQUALITY@ec.europa.eu

Current Members

Get Involved!

Collaborate: Use the network to connect with like-minded individuals and organisations to amplify the impact of your initiatives.
Take initiative: support diversity through actions such as establishing special facilities for women or persons with disabilities, developing diversity strategies or plans in your organisations, or running awareness campaigns.
Report Actions: DIVERIS members will report their diversity and inclusion initiatives. These actions are added to DIVERIS growing repository and may be showcased on DIVERIS digital platform to inspire collaboration and support.

Stay Connected!

Be part of the change. Stay updated on our latest initiatives, events, and opportunities by reaching out via email: DEFIS-EQUALITY@ec.europa.eu.