From May 21 to 25, 2023, the Inter-American Defense Board will participate in the Second Women, Peace and Security Hybrid Seminar for Regional Leadership 2023, which will be held in Santa Marta, Colombia.
Hosted by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the event aims to highlight the motivation, professional growth, integrity and leadership capabilities of military women, as well as the contributions they make daily to activities related to the preparation and employment in the operations of its Forces.
Covering various topics of interest to the gender equity agenda - such as the panels "Organizational Change", "Recruitment and Retention" and "Building a Work Team" - the opening of the Seminar was attended by General Laura Richardson, SOUTHCOM Commander; Ms. Elsa Noguera, Governor of the Atlantic Department of Colombia; and General Helder Bonilla, General Commander of the Colombian Military Forces.
Representing the Inter-American Defense Board and acting as speaker and facilitator of the event, Lieutenant Commander Taryn Senez (Brazil) spoke to the Seminar participants about the important support received for the Women, Peace and Security agenda within the leadership of the JID, as well as its mission to support women in the defense and security forces of the Member States so that they integrate and participate fully, equitably and meaningfully at all hierarchical levels. “It is an honor for me to represent the Inter-American Defense Board at such an important event and to have the opportunity to present my work as the first gender advisor to the IADB,” she said.
Held in person and virtually, the Second Women, Peace and Security Hybrid Seminar for Regional Leadership 2023 has the participation of approximately 750 people from 16 countries, among which Sergeant Major Consuelo Dias Alvarez stands out, the first woman to occupy the position in the Colombian Military Forces; Freda García, gender advisor at the Inter-American Defense College; and Colonel Jesús Gil, representative of UN Women.
