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Naval Group marked the end of Pierre Éric Pommellet’s 18-month honorary presidency of Elles bougent, an association celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company reported a 30% rise in female mentors and volunteers, reflecting growing internal engagement in gender diversity initiatives. Pommellet emphasized the role of mentors in breaking stereotypes and inspiring young women to pursue careers in engineering and defense, aligning with Naval Group’s broader strategy to attract and retain female talent.

Valérie Brusseau, president of Elles bougent, praised Pommellet’s leadership, noting his active involvement in promoting the association’s goals both internally and externally. She highlighted his efforts to mobilize employees, engage with ministries, and advocate for gender diversity in industrial sectors. Brusseau also underscored the importance of mentors in reshaping perceptions of technical professions, particularly in defense and welding, where women remain underrepresented.

The partnership between Naval Group and Elles bougent includes initiatives like the "Girls can code" internships with Prologin and support from the Femmes@numérique foundation. These programs target early career stages, aiming to address the gender gap in engineering and digital fields. Brusseau stressed the need for continued action to dismantle deep-rooted stereotypes in education and family structures, which contribute to the underrepresentation of women in engineering schools.

Elles bougent’s impact was quantified in a survey revealing that 93% of students and 83% of educators gained better insight into engineering careers through the association. Additionally, 22% of young women who engaged with Elles bougent secured their first job through the network, demonstrating its tangible influence on career pathways. The association plans to expand these efforts, focusing on long-term systemic change to ensure gender diversity becomes a standard practice in industry.