Deputy Minister Koçi: The number of women who represent us in NATO Headquarters and military structures is tripled

: Published: Saturday, 04 November 2017 11:57

The National Association of Retired Officers in Albania organized an event on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the First Officer Course in Albania. Deputy Defense Minister Petro Koçi, who was present at this event, thanked all the ladies participating in the activity for the promotion of military women in uniform.

"50 years ago in these facilities, began the first course of 70 military women, namely girls and women of the course for the period 1967 - 1969, near the Army Training and Doctrine Command, from different districts of Albania. These women won great respect and appreciation daring to overcome the masculine mentality of that time and opened a new page of civilization and social modernization. Bow down to all women and girls who contributed and still continue to contribute to the AAF since its establishment up to date ", - emphasized Deputy Minister Koçi.

"Refering to our national history, - Koçi continued, - the Albanian woman has faced difficulties to get a promotion and gender equality has been a challenge not only for them, but also for the whole society, and especially for men.” The Albanian Government has made significant progress in establishing the relevant institutional and policy frameworks for achieving gender equality and empowering women in accordance with international standards and obligations on gender equality. Our country, as a member of the NATO Alliance, has a significantly strong representation of women in our Armed Forces and this represents a positive trend. Furthermore, the Ministry of Defense is very focused on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace and Security", - said Koçi.

Talking about the contribution of the Albanian military in the Armed Forces, the Deputy Minister of Defense emphasized that Albanian military women were part of the responsibilities and engagements in different NATO structures. "Women who represent us in international military headquarters and structures have tripled while working as directors in the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff thanks to promotion decisions and career advancement carefully made. We have a proper plan for the implementation of Resolution 1325 in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania. Women in uniform constitute 13% of all military personnel, experiencing a significant increase during the last three years of our government mandate“, - stated Koçi.

At the end of the activity Deputy Minister Koçi honored Teuta Kasa with “The Medal of Gratitude" for her contribution given to the Armed Forces service over the years.