site.btaDefence Minister Talks with Women in the Military

Gender equality and career development of women in the military were discussed at a meeting of Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov with representatives of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Women Association (BUAFWA), Zapryanov's ministry said in a press release on Monday.

On behalf of the association, the meeting was attended by its Executive Board Chair, Captain Maria Krashevska, and members, Colonel Nevyana Miteva, who serves with the Defence Ministry Social Policy Directorate, Military Medical Academy Lieutenant Martina Moskova and Air Force Junior Sergeant Rositsa Dimitrova.

Zapryanov vowed that the Defence Ministry will keep working to ensure that professionalism is the first thing to consider when assessing the performance of an Armed Forces member and to make uniformed women feel equal to their male counterparts in terms of functions, duties and appreciation for their work.

Capt. Krashevska told the minister: "We view this meeting as a good sign of social dialogue and your commitment to addressing the matters we raise." She noted that BUAFWA is a member of the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL), which has 33 military associations and trade unions from more than 20 countries as its members. BUAFWA aims to promote respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of servicepersons and to upgrade their working and living conditions.

The sides exchanged opinions and proposals for joint work and discussed BUAFWA initiatives and campaigns, support for the Bulgarian Armed Forces Children Association, and opportunities for higher defence education.