The Inter-American Commission for Drug Abuse Control (CICAD) of the Organization of American States (OAS) invited the Inter-American Defense Board to participate in the Regional Training Course on the Control of Illicit Drug Trafficking. The event was held in Bogotá, Colombia, from April 15 to 17, 2024, within the framework of the Inter-American Program for Strengthening Gender Equality in National Organizations in Charge of Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking (GENLEA). The objective of this program is to support OAS member states in strengthening gender equality in their anti-drug organizations.
During the course, participants debated gender equality in the international regulatory framework and shared gender equality policies and programs implemented in their institutions with the aim of reducing any type of discrimination against women involved in the control of illicit trafficking of drugs.
The course had the participation of representatives from 23 GENLEA member countries, including Colombian officers from the National Army, the Air Force and the National Navy, and had the important support of Canada in its implementation, with the presence of the Canadian ambassador in Colombia.
The IADB gender advisor, Lieutenant Commander Taryn, of the Brazilian Navy, represented the IADB, presenting the organization's activities and role in this area. She also took the opportunity to invite participants to the upcoming IADB-organized seminar on “Women, Peace and Security,” reinforcing the importance of continued dialogue and sharing of effective practices in these vital fields.
