KCSS’ panel in ‘’Women, Peace and Security’’ Forum – Building Alliances for Sustainability

On October 22-23, 2022, the "Women, Peace and Security" Forum was held in Pristina with the theme "Building Alliances for Sustainability" organized by the President of the Republic of Kosovo.

Unfortunately, women's views have often been neglected which raise doubts if security access is equally provided to all communities due to women's perspectives being left out of the solution. Women and men appear to have different perspectives on security efforts, and peaceful resolutions, whilst gender inclusion in the security sector means considering the needs of both.

Despite various actors acknowledging the need to integrate more women in the security sector (as regulated by domestic and international legislations), women are still exposed to operational challenges, unequal treatment, and lesser/limited opportunities to treat security challenges. The actual disparities have encouraged fewer women to join the security sector, albeit often, their efforts in solving issues have been higher and more efficient.

KCSS hosted the panel ‘’Women in Security Sector: Challenging gender stereotypes in the security sector’’, with the panellists:

• Mgr. Bc. Šárka Havránková- Vice-President of INTERPOL, INTERPOL Executive Committee 
• LTC Laura L. Lyons -  Defense Policy Advisor, Defense Operations Directorate
• Commissioner General Catherine Bourdes - Ministry of the Armed Forces of the French Republic
• Brigadier General Pamela McGaha - Commander of the NATO HQ Sarajevo 
• Major General Manushaqe Shehu - Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces
• Lt. Col. (res.) Avital Leibovich - Director of AJC Jerusalem
• General Irfete Spahiu – Inspector of the Kosovo Security Force
• Colonel Taibe Canolli – Director of Human Resources Department in Kosovo Police
• Arta Bilalli Zendeli - Head of Delegation of the Republic of North Macedonia at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

Panellists shared their success stories and stated the importance of women participation in the security sector. They encouraged more women to join the security sector and shared recommendations on how to overcome gender stereotypes in this sector.