Key Leader Gender Seminars for the Ministry of Defence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Gender Trainers from the Ministry of Defence held two seminars for key leaders on 19 and 20 November 2015 in Bitola, with the support of UNDP SEESAC. Developed by Gender Trainers, the aim of the seminars was to further assist the participants in integrating the gender perspective in their work. Topics included the international legal framework on Women, Peace and Security; the National Action Plan for its implementation; and the national legal framework for protection from discrimination and equal opportunities for women and men.

Specifically, the seminar tackled the integration of the gender perspective in defence; the gender perspective in military operations; and addressed sexual harassment and violence in peace as well as war. Participants learned about the important role of leadership in integrating the gender perspective throughout the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ms. Elizabeta Cupovska Ristova, opened the seminar on 19 November, underlining the importance of integrating the gender perspective for more efficient security policies. Paying attention to the needs and priorities of both women and men is a feature of the modern age. “Policies need to be enriched with the experience, knowledge, interests, and needs of both women and men,” she emphasized.  

The seminars were delivered by the MoD Gender Trainers and representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy.

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, Montenegro, Republic of Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in their efforts to ensure better integration, retention and professional development for women in the armed forces; stronger participation of women in decision-making; and gender sensitive change in their organizational culture.