GENDER ISSUES

WOMEN IN SECURITY: WHAT THEY DO, WHAT IT MEANS, WHY IT MATTERS

LtCol. Assoc. prof. Nevena Atanasova – Krasteva, PhD National Military University “Vasil Levski”

BULGARIA

Erasmus+

BASIC ISSUES:1. The essence of gender equality.2. The terms: sex & gender.3. The integration of gender equality .4. The gender equality in the Armed Forces .5. The importance of U.N. Security Council

Resolution 13256. The Bulgarian experience.7. NATO and UNSCR 1325.8. NATO committee on Gender perspectives. 9. The education of gender issues in the Bulgarian

military academies.

“The world of humanity has two wings - one is women and the other men. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible”

BAHA’I WRITINGS

“The equality of women and men is not a condition whose effects will be limited to half of the world’s population. Its operationalization will revolutionize all facets of human society.”

IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIETY

The equality of women and men is a facet of human reality and not just a condition to be achieved for the common good. That which makes human beings human - their inherent dignity and nobility - is neither male nor female. The search for meaning, for purpose, for community; the capacity to love, to create, to persevere, has no gender. This has profound implications for the organization of every aspect of human society.

GENDER EQUALITY = SEX EQUALITY = GENDER EGALITARIANISM = SEXUAL EQUALITY =

EQUALITY OF THE GENDERS

This is the view that both men and women should receive equal treatment and not be discriminated against based on their gender. This is the objective of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which seeks to create equality in law and in social situations, such as in democratic activities and securing equal pay for equal work.

A generic symbol for gender equality

TERMS: SEX & GENDER

Sex - the biological differences between males and females. These characteristics are constant and their differences are limited to physical reproductive functions.

Gender - the social attributes associated with being male and female learned through socialization and determines a person’s position and value in a given context. These attributes, opportunities and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through socialization processes. They are dynamic, changing over time and between cultures.

SEX GENDER

BiologicalNature madeConstantIndividualNon-hierarchicalCannot be changed easily

Socio-cultural constructSociety-madeVariableSystematicHierarchicalDifficult, but not impossible to change

'MAN' = MALE SEX+ MASCULINE SOCIAL ROLE'WOMAN' = FEMALE SEX + FEMININE SOCIAL ROLE

INTEGRATION OF GENDER EQUALITY

Equality between women and men is one of the European Union's founding values. It goes back to 1957 when the principle of equal pay for equal work became part of the Treaty of Rome.

The European Union's achievements in fostering equality between women and men have helped to change the lives of many European citizens for the better. Although inequalities still exist, the EU has made significant progress over the last decades. This is mainly thanks to:- equal treatment legislation;-gender mainstreaming (integration of the gender perspective into all other policies);- specific measures for the advancement of women.

INTEGRATION OF GENDER EQUALITY

Integration of gender perspective: is a way of assessing gender-based differences of women and men reflected in their social roles and interactions, in the distribution of power and the access of resources.

Gender equality: Women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born female or male.

HOW TO APPLY THE INTEGRATION OF GENDER EQUALITY

1. Gender inequality in the EU was tackled by 21 specific activities over the consecutive 15 years, which was outlined in the 'Roadmap for equality between men and women 2006-10' .2. The European Commission presented its new priorities for equality between women and men in the 21 September 2010, named “Strategy for equality between women and men 2010-2015”

This strategy shall contribute to improving the place of women in the labour market, in society and in decision-making positions both in the European Union and the world.

GENDER EQUALITY IN THE ARMED FORCES Gender and diversity issues became subjects of

discussion quite recently as relevant to the armed conflict. In 2000 the United Nations Security Council adopted the Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, “Women, Peace and security”

The Resolution “urges member states to ensure increased representation of women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution conflict”.

WHAT IS U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1325 AND WHY IS IT SO CRITICAL TODAY?

In 2000, the United Nations Security Council formally acknowledged through the creation of Resolution 1325 the changing nature of warfare, in which civilians are increasingly targeted, and women continue to be excluded from participation in peace processes.

UNSCR 1325 addresses not only the inordinate impact of war on women, but also the main role women should and do play in conflict management, conflict resolution and sustainable peace.

Why do women need to be critical actors in peace building?

The experiences of men and women in war are different. In these differences, women offer a vital perspective in the analysis of conflict as well as providing strategies toward peacebuilding that focus on creating ties across opposing factions and increasing the inclusiveness, transparency, and sustainability of peace processes.

Why involve men in discussions about women in conflict zones?

Men are too often left out of discussions about the targeted victimization of women in conflict. Peacebuilding requires an awareness of how men and women together can better contribute to sustainable peace and security.

Men are also victims

Men, war and conflict

Women, war and conflict

Women are also actors

Men, war and conflict

Women, war and conflict

Why is Resolution 1325 important?

Resolution 1325 has changed the way the international community thinks about peace and security. The importance of Resolution 1325 through its impact on:

International Law;

Women's Empowerment;

Military;

Global Security.

The four pillars of Resolution 1325?

1. Why is PARTICIPATION important to Resolution 1325?Resolution 1325 calls for increased participation of women at all levels of decision-making, including in national, regional, and international institutions. 2. Why is PROTECTION important to Resolution 1325?Resolution 1325 calls specifically for the protection of women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence, including in emergency and humanitarian situations. 3. Why is PREVENTION important to Resolution 1325?Resolution 1325 calls for improving intervention strategies in the prevention of violence against women, including by prosecuting those responsible for violations of international law.4. Why is RELIEF AND RECOVERY important to Resolution 1325?Resolution 1325 calls for advancement of relief and recovery measures to address international crises through a gendered lens.

How is Resolution 1325 being implemented?To 2010, 24 countries have developed

and launched NATIONAL ACTION PLANS:

Bosnia Herzegovina (2010) Belgium (2009) Côte d’Ivoire (2007)

Canada (2010) Chile (2009) Netherlands (2007)

Democratic Republic of Congo (2010) Liberia (2009) Spain (2007)

Estonia (2010) Portugal (2009) Switzerland (2007)

Nepal (2010) Finland (2008) Norway (2006)

Philippines (2010) Iceland (2008) Sweden (2006)

Rwanda (2010) Uganda (2008) United Kingdom (2006)

Sierra Leone (2010) Austria (2007) Denmark (2005)

- Resolution 1889  - it calls for further strengthening of women's participation in peace processes and the development of indicators to measure progress on Resolution 1325.- Resolution 1820 – it explicitly links sexual violence as a tactic of war with women peace and security issues. - Resolution 1888 - it mandates that peacekeeping missions protect women and children from sexual violence during armed conflict, and requests that the Secretary-General appoint a special representative on sexual violence during armed conflict.

HISTORY OF SECURITY COUNCIL MANDATES ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY

THE NATIONAL PLAN ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION OF UN Security Council RESOLUTION 1325

in Ministry of Defence in Bulgaria – 2011

BULGARIAN EXPERIENCE

The plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325 of the UN Security Council in the Ministry of Defence will send a strong political signal to the Bulgarian and international community about the priorities of the management of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces to the implementation of the Euro-Atlantic policies in this area.

THE NATIONAL PLAN ABOUT IMPLEMENTATION OF UN Security Council RESOLUTION 1325

in Ministry of Defence in Bulgaria – 2011

BULGARIAN EXPERIENCE

Preparation and standards of behavior: To develop materials (manuals, lectures, promotional materials, standards of conduct / ethics, etc.) for the implementation of Resolution 1325 in order to integrate the Policy of equality at all levels of the Armed Forces.

The Resolution 1325 recognises the disproportionate impact that war and conflicts have on women and children, and highlights the fact that women have been historically left out of peace processes and stabilisation efforts.

The additional Resolutions (1820, 1888, 1889, 1960, 2106 and 2122) call for full and equal participation of women at all levels in issues ranging from early conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction, peace and security. Together, they frame the Women, Peace and Security agenda!

Women, peace and security

HIGHLIGHTS:NATO and its partners are committed to removing barriers for women’s participation in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and in peace-building.They are also committed to reducing the risk of conflict-related and gender-based violence.To achieve these goals, NATO and its partners work with other international organizations – in particular the United Nations – and civil society.

NATO and UNSCR 1325

A new action plan for supporting the implementation of UNSCR 1325 and related Resolutions was endorsed in June 2014. Like the policy, the action plan was developed by Allies together with their EAPC partners, plus Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

The plan also focuses on the same areas of intervention, namely cooperative security, crisis management and NATO-led operations and missions, and national contributions.

THE NATO ACTION PLAN

The NATO Committee on Gender Perspectives (NCGP) advises NATO leadership and Member Nations on gender related issues in order to enhance organizational effectiveness in support of Alliance objectives and priorities, including the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs).

NATO COMMITTEE ON GENDER PERSPECTIVES

NATO is an equal opportunities employer committed to valuing everyone as an individual. Gender balance and diversity efforts have been mainstreamed in NATO Headquarters (HQ) policies and practices since 2002. They aim at addressing issues such as imbalance in gender, age and national representation in the International Secretariat (IS) of NATO.

GENDER BALANCE AND DIVERSITY IN NATO

On a national level the body for consultations, cooperation and coordination among the governmental and Non-Governmental Bodies in the elaboration and realization of the National Policy on Gender Equality is the National Council on Gender Equality under the Council of Ministers.

The Deputy Defence Minister is a member of National Council on Gender Equality. The Council of Ministers adopted an Annual National Action Plan for Promotion of Gender Equality. The Plan followed the objectives, set out in the National Strategy for Promotion of Gender Equality for the period 2009 – 2015.

NEW POLICIES OR INITIATIVES CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER IN THE BULGARIAN

ARMED FORCES

The National assembly approved additional change in Defence and Armed forces Act by extending the category of military personnel which can take advantage of the parents’ leave to improve the work-life balance and diversity. This was a result of the cooperative work done between MoD and the non-governmental organization “Bulgarian Armed Forces Women Association”.

A Doctrine for human resources management in MoD was adopted in 2013. There the principle for equality in gender, race, ethnic and belief (diversity) when building a human resources management system is incorporated in the whole process of retention, recruitment, education and training, internal support and inclusion.

NEW POLICIES OR INITIATIVES CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER IN THE

BULGARIAN ARMED FORCES

BULGARIAN ARMED FORCES WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION

BUAFWA

NEW POLICIES OR INITIATIVES CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GENDER IN THE BULGARIAN

ARMED FORCES

MISSON: TO PROMOTE AND ENDORSE THE PRESTIGE

AND SOCIAL STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE ARMED FORCES

Package of training and education toolsSACT, NATO

The aim is to support the increased awareness on gender perspective in military operations and to assist NATO Allies and Partners to build their gender capacity and capabilities.

VASSIL LEVSKI NATIONAL MILITARY UNIVERSITY

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME- NEW CURRICULAS

EDUCATION OF GENDER ISSUES IN THE BULGARIAN MILITARY ACADEMIES

VASSIL LEVSKI NATIONAL MILITARY UNIVERSITYLEADERSHIP Training Module I – IV part:

“ The essence of Gender Equality Policies. International framework and documents. "- lecture; workshop and exercise;"National framework and policies of the implementation of gender equality" – lecture and workshop;"Integration of Gender Equality Policies in the planning, implementation and evaluation of military operations and missions." – lecture and exercise.

EDUCATION OF GENDER ISSUES IN THE BULGARIAN MILITARY ACADEMIES

Air Force3,84

JFC1,39

MoD0,05

SSMD1,27

Navy1,07

Army6,94

Total14,55 %

Air Force

0,2

JFC0,3

MoD0,2

SSMD2,2

Navy0,1

Army2,7

Total5,6 %

FEMALE IN OPERATION

Man’s brain vs Woman’s brain

Logic IntuitionSummary AnalysisGeneral perception Attention to detailBinge abstractions ConcretenessOrientation in time and space Agility and precision of hands

Technical focus HumanitiesMotive-success Motive- relation to othersStriving for Leadership Ability to obeyBinge innovation Following the rules

THANK YOU FOR THE ATTENTION!