On June 3, 2024 WiD hosted a discussion with Clare Hutchinson, former Special Representative of the NATO Secretary-General for Women, Peace and Security. Clare shared her experience on the practical application of NATO and UN policies to create real change in Ukraine.

We collected key takeaways from the discussion:

• Participation vs. structural change: Increasing the number of women in defence isn't enough; instead, the focus should be on removing structural obstacles that hinder women's growth and ensuring that women in defence roles can influence policy and decision-making processes.

• Investigating gender disparities: There needs to be an understanding and research of why women aren't reaching certain positions and areas within the military.

• Budgeting: Gender equality policy is still the least funded and, unfortunately, often considered unimportant. This needs to change.

• Accountability and transformation: Governments and international organizations must be held accountable for moving forward with transformational change rather than just focusing on numbers.

• Integration of gender equality into defence policy: No country has yet achieved this goal. Comprehensive policies are needed that recognize and address the unique challenges faced by women in the military sphere.

• Collaboration and sisterhood: Women supporting women is crucial to success. More collaborative efforts and networks to enhance their collective impact are required.

• Gender advisors and focal Points: Gender advisor and focal points positions in defence should be recognized, adequately funded, and have the authority to drive change.

• Standards compliance: The focus should be on ensuring that women meet the highest standards rather than lowering standards for them. At the same time, all standards should be reviewed and aligned with the actual tasks required for specific positions. True equality means providing equal opportunities and expectations, not special treatment.

• Women should not bear all the responsibility for change alone. Women cannot change men’s behaviour. Men must change themselves.