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KFOR GENDER PERSPECTIVE CONFERENCE FOR THE 15th ANNIVERSAY OF THE RESOLUTION 1325

Pristina, Kosovo. A KFOR Conference on Gender Perspective was held today at Camp "Film City” in Pristina on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women and peace and security.

KFOR Commander, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, opened the meeting remarking that "KFOR recognizes the importance of the topic of Gender Perspective to fulfil its mandate provided by Resolution 1244 and the two Resolutions, from the very beginning, shared a common path for the past 15 years here in Kosovo”.

"More than ever, the key to facilitate the consolidation of peace and stability in Kosovo, is having an in-depth understanding of the civilian society”, General Miglietta added, "I have chosen "Shaping the Change” as the motto for this rotation and after so many accomplishments, we must now line up all our efforts and set up a rock solid foundation for the further success of a promising future for all the people of Kosovo”.

The meeting was addressed by four Gender Advisors including: Mrs. Lina Andeer from EULEX, Mrs. Dijana Karan from UNMIK, Mrs. Jutta Marjanen from OSCE and from KFOR, Maj. Claire Wohlschak. They spoke on a range of different topics but, mainly, they focused on the evolution of the gender perspective within their respective organizations.

KFOR recognizes that people in Kosovo are its center of gravity. It is only through considering all perspectives, both male and female that a more balanced future will be achieved for the children of Kosovo. Resolution 1325 reaffirms the important role that women have to play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and in post-conflict reconstruction.

It stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts to maintain and promote peace and security. Gender perspective is a way to increase KFOR’s operational effectiveness. Considering this, one of KFOR’s main goals is on "mainstreaming gender” into current and future operations, both inside and outside the Force.

Female soldiers in KFOR can be an asset and an enabler, especially in activities of engagement with the entire population, men and women; girls and boys.