President Bachelet on women in the Armed Forces: “They are the ones who broaden the horizons of what is possible in peace missions”

As part of the events to mark International Women’s Day, the President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet, together with the Defense Minister Jorge Burgos and the Foreign Affairs Minister Heraldo Muñoz, presided over the launch of the Second National Action Plan for the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on “Women, Peace and Security.”

President Bachelet emphasized that “we have good reason to feel proud, knowing that we have taken major steps towards the integration of women in all areas of our society.”

The Foreign Affairs Ministry, Defense Ministry and National Women’s Service are involved in this Second National Action Plan, coordinating actions to incorporate gender perspectives in conflict prevention strategies and peacekeeping operations; increasing the participation of women in decision-making processes, strengthening and extending measures to guarantee the safety and integrity of women and girls, and providing access to post-conflict recovery mechanisms.

Women’s participation in peacekeeping missions has increased over the years. The launch of the Second National Action Plan coincides with the deployment of 38 women in peacekeeping operations during 2014, compared to just 13 when the First Action Plan was launched in 2009.

Referring to the women who have taken part in these peacekeeping missions, the President said: “each of the 218 Chilean women have helped to empower the female population and their leaders in countries that are emerging from armed conflict. They have supported women who were ex-soldiers and, by interviewing survivors of sexual violence, they are often the key to finding truth and recovery.”

The President ended her speech by highlighting that “this Second National Action Plan is tangible evidence of our commitment to this goal of peace and is also an opportunity for us to participate in a global mission that strikes a chord in our identity as a nation.”