Gender Equality Mechanisms Identify Best Ways to Implement the Recommendations of the Study on the Position of Women in the Military
The Gender Equality Mechanisms of the Ministries of Defence (MoDs) and Armed Forces (AFs) are tasked to help integrate gender perspective in defense policies and practices in their respective countries. Through its Gender Equality in the Military (WinMil) project, UNDP/SEESAC supports these mechanisms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
On 3-4 June, UNDP/SEESAC organized the 5th Regional Meeting of the Gender Equality Mechanisms (GEMs) in Montenegro. They identified concrete steps to successfully implement the recommendations of the study on The Position of Women in the Armed Forces in the Western Balkans.
The participants also discussed measures already undertaken to address specific issues such as uniform design for women and men, gender trainings, use of gender sensitive language, and more generally shared practical and valuable information and experience gained through their national efforts to advance gender equality in the military.
The study, developed by MoDs and Afs in the Western Balkans with the support of UNDP/SEESAC, proposes measures related to recruitment and retention of women in the armed forces, working conditions, education on gender equality and strengthening of gender equality mechanisms in the MoDs and AFs.
Taking the lead in this process, the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro already adopted the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Study Recommendation and began its implementation. In May and June of 2014 a series of gender equality workshops are being organized for professional soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers, all with the aim of increasing gender awareness in the military.
Since they were first initiated by UNDP/SEESAC two years ago, these candid exchanges among GEMs on a regional level resulted in significant strides in the realm of gender equality in the military. For instance, they enabled the collection of the baseline data and subsequent development of a unique regional study on The Position of Women in the Armed Forces in the Western Balkans, as well as the establishment of the Regional Network of Gender Trainers in the Military.
ABOUT THE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE MILITARY PROJECT
SEESAC's Gender Equality in the Military 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. SEESAC also works to foster women’s participation in decision-making, as well as gender sensitive change in the organizational culture of the military.