Brunssum, The Netherlands – Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) celebrated International Women’s Day with two full days of events, 12-13 March 2025, following the theme ‘Accelerate Action.’
This is a day to celebrate the contributions of women across all sectors. It is also a call to action
“This is a day to celebrate the contributions of women across all sectors. It is also a call to action,” said General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, JFCBS Commander. “It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women may still face, both in personal and professional spheres.”
After a day of Mindfullness and Wellbeing events on 12th March, JFCBS followed on the 13th with two keynote speakers and an art exhibition from Turkish artist Olgu Sümengen Berker, whose work focuses on expressing and interpreting life through the female body and posture.
Guest speaker Dr. Mira Vasic, who specialises in female leadership and gender diversity, gave a morning presentation discussing unconscious bias and the difference between equality and equity. She pointed out that while equality is the practice of giving all individuals the same opportunities, the practice of equity recognises that individuals come from different circumstances, and provides each person with the exact resources needed to reach an equal outcome.
Later in the day, Ms. Ashleigh Percival-Borley gave a presentation called, ‘Women of Deception: Spies, Saboteurs and Intelligence Pioneers from World War I to Today.’
“We should no longer rely on wartime urgency to justify change. We need to actively reshape our narrative,” said Ms. Percival-Borley, while discussing the shift that has taken place at various times in history when women have taken over traditionally male roles during major conflicts. She emphasised that the stories of the incredible value women have brought to their nations in times of crisis need to be told, and retold, in order to establish them as long-term common knowledge.
“I’d like to highlight the importance of gender equality and representation of women in the defence sector as it is intrinsically linked to NATO’s values,” said Brigadier General Guillermo Garcia Ferrer, JFCBS Director of Management. “Gender equality and equity is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for peaceful, prosperous and sustainable societies. Let’s continue to develop a work environment where everyone feels that they belong.”
This year's International Women's Day events were organised by the JFCBS; Brunssum International Club, and the Gender Focal Point Network, and featured performances by the Brunssum Military Wives Choir.