Kosovo needs more women in the army. It was this call that brought together many representatives of the state in the conference entitled: Advancing the representation and role of women in the military: A step towards greater gender equality, peace and security, which is organized within the Regional Center of Excellence for Women, Peace and Security in Kosovo. President Vjosa Osmani said that the country, while aiming for NATO membership, should do more to increase the participation of women in the army.
"We need concrete actions and suitable policies and above all abundant resources, there are many challenges faced by military women today. These challenges often make them give up this profession, despite the impressive skills and extraordinary potential they have... There are cases when they are also faced with sexual harassment during the exercise of their work, therefore it is imperative that beyond elimination of discrimination to take strict and fair steps to address such phenomena in every institution without distinction. It is essential that the military structures include curricula and training for gender sensitivity and efficient addressing of such cases in case they occur... In future competitions for recruitment, we have special provisions as allowed by Article 14 of our Constitution that in order to achieve representation of women in the army, we have affirmative means so that as many women as possible can compete", says Osmani.
The Minister of Defense, Ejup Macedonci, said that they have an iron will to increase the inclusion of women in the army.
"Considering that we are a new country, this percentage is not a bad figure, however the aim is to increase the involvement of women in the army because the Forces will reflect the composition of the people and we deeply believe that both men and women want same homeland and are able to fight the same for it. Undoubtedly, the realization of this goal is difficult if there continues to be a prejudice regarding the military and the profession for women and such an opportunity contributes to unequal environments... We will continue to engage in the elimination of obstacles in any form, which stagnate the advancement of the position of women in the force. In this direction, we are determined that the composition of the recruiting and selection boards always reflects a gender perspective as a balanced presence" , says Maqedonci.
The Director of the Liaison and Advisory Office of NATO in Kosovo, General Christian Nawrat, said that the agenda for increasing the participation of women at all levels is a priority of NATO.
"NATO wants to promote the women's agenda for peace and security in all member states of the Alliance and to advance NATO's decision-making in all efforts to achieve gender equality. Also, NATO understands that gender equality and the agenda for women, peace and security reflect the mission and main priorities of the alliance and are integral to peace".
Kosovo has a low percentage of women's involvement in the army. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
