The Military Academy of the Armed Forces “Alexandru cel Bun” will use the textbook “Gender Dimension in Security and Defense Sector” that was launched on November 2 to teach students and personnel of the afferent departments. According to author Natalia Albu, the textbook centers on four major objectives that match the teaching process: awareness, understanding, aptitude and behavior, IPN reports.
At the end of themes, each module contains exercises adapted to national statistics on gender with terminology and key concepts that facilitate the memorization of notions.
Deputy Minister of Defense Gheorghe Galbura said the textbook is very important for the National Army because emphasis is laid on the participation of women in special missions and operation theaters. The subject of equality of chances between men and women is topical worldwide, at NATO and OSCE, and nationally. “I’m sure that this textbook will contribute to understanding the necessity of ensuring the integration of the gender dimension into the National Army both as a concept and as an operational instrument,” stated Gheorghe Galbura.
The Embassy of Sweden in Moldova supported the project. Ambassador Signe Burgstaller said it is important not only to promote women in defense, but to also ensure sensible training on gender aspects. It is known that the women’s participation in conflict management and consolidation of peace ensures the positive development of the whole process. “In conflict situations, the girls and women should not be regarded as victims, but as conflict solving agents,” stated the ambassador.
Asya Varbanova, Acting Head of UN Women Moldova, said it is for the first time that the Republic of Moldova has a teaching aid on the gender dimension in the official language, whose text was adjusted to the national realities, with emphasis on international literature, mainly a Georgian textbook. This textbook is needed as the women in security and the afferent sectors, including foreign peacekeeping missions, do not enjoy equal participation conditions, while the women who form part of the security sector face specific problems. The representation of women in defense stands at 5% globally, while in Moldova the figure is much lower.
The authors intend to work out an online version of the textbook in the nearest future.
