On the eve of the International Women’s Day in order to emphasize the efforts of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia for gender equality and expressing appreciation of the contribution of female army members in the activities of the Army, the Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Vasko Gjurchinovski met today with female representatives of the General Staff.
At the meeting in the office of the Chief of General Staff, which was held in accordance with the epidemiological condition and in compliance with the measures and protocols to prevent the spread of the virus “Covid-19”, General Gjurchinovski in front of the female representatives of the General Staff showed appreciation for all female Army members, who in the past period have been involved with selfless investment in assisting the state institutions and citizens in dealing with the invisible enemy.
Among other things, the integration of the gender equality principles and the trend of the NATO allied armies, which pay special attention to increasing the representation of women in military structures, but also the role of women outside the military organization were discussed.
The International Women’s Day is traditionally celebrated with female representatives of the General Staff and the other commands and units of the Army of Republic of North Macedonia, but this year due to the current condition with the virus “Covid-19” the holiday will be symbolically celebrated.
In 2020 the maximum has been reached, in accordance with the ambitions to achieve true gender equality. With the adoption of the Second National Plan and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, special attention is paid to Goal 5 “Gender Equality” and Goal 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.
The current representation of women in the Army is 10%, compared to 3.8% to 4.9% in 2014.
The upward trend will continue, and that goal is set in the Operational Plan according to which the Ministry of Defense will strive for an annual increase of 30% in the number of women in the Army, in managerial positions in the Ministry and in missions. The Army will continue to observe the principle of gender equality in the placement of women in managerial and command positions, taking into account the set standards and expertise.
