On International Women’s Day, organizations around the world reflect on how industries traditionally dominated by men are evolving. The defence and technology sectors in Europe have made gradual progress, yet the gender balance remains uneven.
Women in the European Defence Sector
Across the European defence, aeronautics, and space industries, women represent around 18% of the workforce, according to diversity and inclusion surveys conducted by the European Commission Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space and industry networks such as Women in Aerospace Europe. These figures highlight a structural imbalance across highly specialized technical fields, where female representation often remains particularly low.
Bertin Environics: A Workforce Aligned with the European Average
At Bertin Environics, the gender distribution is closely aligned with the European sector average. Out of 69 employees, 12 are women, representing 17.4% of the workforce, a figure consistent with the broader defence and aerospace industry in Europe.
Representation is particularly visible in leadership. Four of these women hold management or lead positions, meaning 33.3% of the company’s female employees are in leadership roles, and women represent 36.4% of Bertin Environics’ management team overall.
Since 2012, the company has also been led by Kirsi Hedman. With over 17 years at Bertin Environics, her leadership reflects the long-term expertise and continuity that help shape the company’s culture and growth.
Celebrating Experience & New Talent
Behind these numbers are the individuals who contribute to the company’s development every day. At Bertin Environics, this includes both long-standing expertise and new perspectives. Among them are Päivi Tiusanen, who has been working with the company for over 30 years as Export Manager, and Tiina Kuula, who joined the company in March 2026 as Sales Team Lead, representing the newest generation of leadership within the organization.
On the left Päivi Tiusanen, Export Manager and on the right Tiina Kuula, Sales Team Leadv.
“It has been a privilege to work in a defense company, specifically as a woman. I have grown, developed and learned with the company. My long-term commitment has been strongly influenced by the company’s changes over the years, in addition to my wonderful colleagues and an interesting work environment. In addition, international work with interesting clients still surprises me with something new almost every day.”
Päivi Tiusanen, Export Manager
“Joining Bertin Environics has shown me how meaningful this field truly is — protecting people and enabling safer societies gives our daily work real purpose. What stands out even more is the strong foundation of the company, built over decades, and especially the talented colleagues whose expertise, openness, and dedication are visible in everything they do.
With my background in international sales and business development, I am inspired by the chance to support our global customers and partners even better, helping them succeed in missions that truly matter. I am fully committed to strengthening our sales practices, building long‑term relationships, and learning from the remarkable people around me.
The future offers great opportunities, and I’m proud to contribute to that journey with positive energy, commitment, and deep respect for our customers and colleagues who make this work so meaningful.”
Tiina Kuula, Sales Team Lead