NATO HQ Sarajevo Gender Workshop

NATO HQ Sarajevo initiated its Gender Program in 2010 in order to provide the assistance to the BiH Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Security in their efforts to add the gender perspective to the Defence and Security Sector Reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In 2011 the BiH Ministry of Defence and Joint Staff have appointed Gender Focal Points at their respective institutions. In 2012 Gender Focal Points have been appointed throughout the Armed Forces structure down to the Battalion Level.

NATO HQ Sarajevo has held regular workshops for the representatives of the MoD and Joint Staff which were set up to educate the decision makers about the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, relevant BiH laws relating to gender equality but also to emphasise the importance of gender perspective in operations. The last Gender Workshop, held from 13-15 June gathered newly appointed Gender Focal Points in order to provide them with further education about the gender in the military and in operations, discuss reporting procedures, and identify the challenges ahead. The Workshop was chaired by Col Harald Hiorth, NATO HQ Sarajevo Deputy Commander and Mr. Sead Muratovic, BiH MoD Assistant Minister for Personnel.