Minister Xhaçka celebrates the 8th of March with military women and girls: You are an example of dedication to family and country.

Published: Thursday, 08 March 2018 11:56

Over 1300 women and girls are serving today in the Albanian Armed Forces. At a meeting with women and girls in uniform, attended also by NATO ambassadors and their spouses, Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka praised the role of women in society, highlighting military girls and women’s sacrifice.

"All of you, dear women and girls, are admirable! You are the inspirational example for the model you give and the love you give with the dedication to love and protect our country Albania, to protect the freedom and peace of the countries where you often engage in missions, away from family," - said Minister Xhaçka who also emphasized the role of every woman for more rights.


"My obligation, our obligation is multiplied towards you. Our mission will be incomplete if we do not lobby for the right of everyone to be successful anywhere even among Armed Forces."
Also, Minister Xhaçka became the representative voice of some of the Albanian women and military girls, who despite difficulties, through sacrifices, have managed to succeed.
"The symbolism of this day is very powerful, to unite our mind, voice, and strength to give a voice to all women wherever they are.

Particularly today, I would like to be the voice of Vehbie Kurti, who is here today in this meeting, along with 400 women and girls. Years ago, she came from the remote areas of Peshkopi to join AAF and to represent us duly in NATO structures.
I would like be the voice of Merita Allmuça, a single mother facing life with her two children, after her husband passed away;
I would like to be the voice of Colonel Arta Driza, the mother of three children from Shkodra, who beside her mission as a military, has honored us with her quality representation, as a chess player in several international activities;
I would like to be the voice of Enkelejda Tyrku, who left her baby with her parents to contribute to NATO's peace structures in Afghanistan;
I would like today to be the voice of more than 1300 women and girls of the Armed Forces, who strive each day between the mission of being a woman and a mother, between the restrictions and sacrifices of the profession, for the sake of security of their families, that of thousands of Albanian families and beyond."

Participants were also greeted by the first general woman in the Armed Forces, Deputy Chief of General Staff Brigadier General Manushaqe Shehu, who encouraged women and girls to get ahead and have a career in the Armed Forces.

Private III, Kristina Dajko, who has become part of the Armed Forces in recent years, spoke of the friendly environment that has been created in Albanian military structures for women and girls as well.
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Minister Xhaçka gave out a flower with the respective congratulations, to over 1,300 women and girls serving in the Albanian Armed Forces.