Jointly organized by the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) and the Chilean Air Force (FACH), the international seminar “Women, Peace and Security” was held between May 8 and 10.
With more than 13,000 participants from 67 countries, the event explored the challenges, progress and operational implications of the implementation of the gender perspective in the Armed and Security Forces, with the participation of experts who highlighted the importance of valuing the joint work between men and women in the military forces, a factor that contributes to promoting more efficient, effective and diverse management and, consequently, also to global peace and security.
The Seminar was inaugurated by Air Force Major General Flávio Luiz de Oliveira Pinto (Brazil), General Director of the IADB Secretariat, and closed by General Richard Heitkamp (USA), Director of the Inter-American College of Defense, highlighting the importance of the MPS Agenda for the entire inter-American defense system.
The event featured the following speakers:
– Dr. Terhi Lehtinen, from the European Union, presented the presentation “UN Resolution 1325: history and current situation in the European Union”, addressing how the EU applies this regulation, which functions as a framework for action. The areas of interest identified include the integration of the gender perspective and the participation and protection of women, with the existence of clear and precise gender policies being essential for their implementation.
– Medical Brigadier Major Carla Lyrio Martins, of the Brazilian Air Force, addressed the topic of “Women's Leadership in the Armed Forces,” referring to experiences from her career. She highlighted that working in the Brazilian Air Force taught her that resilience and effort are qualities of both men and women and that the presence of women in decision-making positions demonstrates social and democratic evolution, generating a benefit for society as a whole. .
-Air Brigadier General Paula Carrasco Bórquez, of the Chilean Air Force, emphasized the relevance of the gender and human rights approach in military operations, highlighting the implementation of the Third National Action Plan of UN Resolution 1325 in Chile and reaffirming the commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the protection of human rights.
-The Gender Delegate of the FACH, Commander Cristina Fabry, spoke on “Work Ethics and Harassment”, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for everyone, where ethical values are fundamental to prevent and combat harassment. harassment, promoting dignity and mutual respect among all members of the organization.
-The gender advisor of the IADB, Lieutenant Commander of the Brazilian Navy Taryn Machado Senez, spoke about the validation of UN Resolution 1325 in the Inter-American Defense Board, highlighting the Board's role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between the 26 member states to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
-Colonel Juan José Lucero Paúl, from the Spanish Ministry of Defense, spoke about the next Gender Advisory Course in Peace Operations, which will be held in the European country between June and August 2024, and which aims to raise awareness among institutions in the search for real equality between men and women, considering its application in conflict and post-conflict contexts. With the collaboration of the IADB, the course is aimed at members of the Armed and Security Forces. The registration link is available on the IADB website: www.jid.org.
– Finally, the United States Department of Defense concluded the seminar with the report of the special working group on the topic, which will be presented at the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in Argentina.
Taking advantage of the success and valuable contributions of the event, the IADB will continue working to help increasingly integrate the practices of the WPS Agenda into hemispheric defense and security policies.
Stay tuned for more updates on our journey towards gender equality and world peace! Do you want to know more or have something to share on the topic? Leave your comment or contact us through our social networks.
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