In his opening remarks, Lieutenant General Luis Lanchares, Deputy Commander of JFC Brunssum, reminded the audience, “[International Women’s Day] is a day to raise awareness about how we can create a positive working environment for all.” He stressed the importance of the three words, #WeAreNATO, reflecting the fact that the JFC Brunssum team is stronger, together.
Ms. Irene Fellin, Special Representative for NATO’s Secretary General on Women, Peace and Security, joined the event online. As a high-level focal point on all aspects of NATO`'s contribution to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, she shared useful insights and thanked JFC Brunssum for the team’s continuing effort to advance gender equality.
[International Women’s Day] is a day to raise awareness about how we can create a positive working environment for all.
Under the motto “Embrace Equity,” two other speakers shared their experiences empowering women. Mr. Sujo John, whose organization, “YouCanFreeUs,” fights modern slavery worldwide, thanked NATO and all of the Allies for their effort to maintain peace. Ms. Jackie Faye Burton, who empowers women through athletics with her organization, “SheCanTri,” highlighted the importance of providing every individual with equal access to success.
During a panel discussion, participants discussed the growing importance of work-life balance in modern times. Students from the AFNORTH International School who took also part in the event carried on a lively conversation about the true meaning of the word “equity.”
General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, Commander JFC Brunssum, closed the event with a speech where he underlined that “we need to continue every year to remind all of us that equality shall run the society, that hard work pays off and that everyone shall be judged on ideas, dedication and talent, not chromosomes. A gender-balanced world is a better world. Not just for women, but for all.”
Note:
International Women’s Day is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.” (https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About)
Recognizing the roles of women in peace and security should not be limited to women participating in the peace process. NATO is committed to creating inclusive environments that support women’s full and meaningful participation.
NATO’s common values — individual liberty, democracy, and human rights — make women’s full involvement in defence and security a top priority for the Alliance.