27Nov2014

On 26 - 27 November 2014, representatives of Gender Equality Mechanisms (GEM) in the Ministries of Defense (MoDs) and Armed Forces (AFs) of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia took part in the Sixth Regional GEM meeting in Skopje.

Participants primarily shared information on activities implemented and results achieved in advancing gender equality in their respective institutions since the last regional meeting held in June 2014. In particular, they focused on working conditions, human resource policies and practices, and ways to introduce gender equality to military education and training.

In a vibrant discussion, the participants openly discussed challenges as well as opportunities for action. Furthermore, they planned activities for 2015. Representatives of MoDs and AF's were united in their assessment of the great progress achieved since the beginning of the Gender Equality in the Military project, and of the importance of regional cooperation established and facilitated though the project.

During his opening address, Dr. Zoran Jolevski, Minister of Defense, stressed the importance of regional partnership created within the Gender Equality in the Military project. Ministries of Defense and Armed Forces are working proactively to recruit women and ensure their retention in the AFs. Nevertheless, more needs to be done. Regional platform of Gender Equality Mechanisms provides an excellent way for MoDs and AFs to share knowledge and learn from each other about most effective ways of including gender perspectives in the military. Dr. Jolevski commended on the fact that out of twenty-five (25) cadets admitted to the Military Academy in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia this year, eight (8) are women, as well as on the fact that women are regularly represented among the most successful cadets.

Ms. Louisa Vinton, UNDP Resident Representative, stressed that women represent an important pool of talent and potential needed for a successful reform of the security sector. She reminded those present that UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security calls for an increased representation of women in all processes related to peace and security, and that the representation of women in police and the armed forces globally has been steadily increasing in the last couple of years. Peer to peer networks, such as the regional platform of gender equality mechanisms, enable finding practical solutions to existing challenges. Participants not only discuss and learn from each other’s experiences, but more importantly - apply best practices, contributing thus to creating a more conducive environment for the recruitment and retention of women in the armed forces.

Commander Tore Andersson, from the Norwegian Armed Forces, highlighted that Norway was the first country in the world to allow women to serve in all positions in the military. In 1984 they appointed the first female crew member in their submarines. Since then, women represent an important asset of the Armed Forces. Commander Andersson followed by stressing that achieving gender equality is a common responsibility. "We need to educate ourselves and lead by example – each of us has the responsibility to work on attitudes, to use gender sensitive language as well as to encourage colleagues to do so."

About THE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE MILITARY PROJECT

SEESAC's Gender Equality in the Military: Strengthening of Regional Cooperation on Gender Mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform in the Western Balkans project aims to create a more conducive environment for the advancement of women in the military in the Western Balkans. With this as its goal, SEESAC is supporting the Ministries of Defense in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia in their efforts to ensure better integration, retention and professional development for women in the armed forces as well as stronger participation of women in decision-making and gender sensitive change in their organizational cultures.

UNDP/SEESAC