On September 28, the Inter-American Defense Board held, in person and virtually, at the Casa del Soldado facilities in Washington (USA), the Seminar “Women, Peace and Security (MPS) in the Inter-American System”.
The event's objective was to publicize successful experiences on the gender perspective in the field of hemispheric defense and security, as well as contribute to cooperation between countries of the American continent in this matter. The seminar also represented a valuable opportunity to collect important information regarding the MPS Agenda, a starting point to improve the integration mechanisms of women in the Defense and Security Forces of each Member State.
The seminar was opened by the Minister of Defense of Suriname, Krishnakoemari Mathoera, who spoke about the importance of establishing the WPS Agenda and the progress made by Suriname on the issue. In his words, Brigadier Major Flávio Luiz de Oliveira Pinto, General Director of the IADB Secretariat, highlighted the purpose of the event to contribute to strengthening the role of women in building peace and guaranteeing security. “Aware that peace and security are concepts that transcend the simple absence of armed conflict, we recognize the importance of justice, equality and opportunities for all members of our society.”
The panels held during the Seminar included the participation of world-renowned personalities in the MPS Agenda, who addressed the following topics:
– “The MPS Agenda in the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM/OAS)”, carried out by the Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM/OAS), Alejandra Mora Mora.
– “Introduction to the WPS Agenda: origin and importance”, carried out by Jesús Ignacio Gil Ruiz, WPS Specialist from UN Women- Bogotá, Colombia.
– “Great Powers and MPS Competition”, carried out by Duilia Mora Turner, Advisor on Women, Peace and Security and International Affairs.
– “The importance of the MPS Agenda in military education”, carried out by Tahina Montoya, Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of the US Air Force for the Biden-Harris administration and Specialist in Women, Peace and Security, with experience working at the tactical, operational and strategic levels in the United States.
– “The MPS agenda at the Inter-American Defense College”, carried out by Frieda García, Gender Advisor at the Inter-American Defense College, SME Women, Peace and Security (CMS) and Podcaster. – “The MPS agenda in the Inter-American Defense Board”, carried out by Captain Taryn Machado Senez, coordinator of the event and Advisor on Gender and Human Rights of the General Secretariat of the Inter-American Defense Board.
Speaking about the event, Captain Taryn highlighted the success of the initiative. “The Seminar greatly exceeded expectations, evidenced by the great participation of listeners, the positive comments and questions received from the public. In my opinion, one of the most memorable moments was, without a doubt, the participation of our Delegates, who shared videos detailing the actions and initiatives that each country has developed in this matter.”
With a total of 8,421 registered, the Seminar was attended by members from 47 countries and regions: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, Federated States of Micronesia, United States, France, Guatemala, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Aland Islands, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Dominican Republic, American Samoa, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The complete recording of the Seminar can be found on the IADB page on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVLvot1rMg0&t=2505s
