Robles highlights the role of the military in peacekeeping missions to empower women from countries in conflict

MADRID, 9 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, participated this Wednesday in the "Women, Peace and Security" panel, within the "Global Forum-Women Leaders power", held in Reykjavík (Iceland), where she defended the role of the military in peace missions, for their contribution to the empowerment of women in countries at war.

Robles has shared the Spanish experience, with several peacekeeping missions around the world, and with an important participation of military women.

"We have realized that it is very important to increase the number of women in the Armed Forces. If we increase the number of women in the Armed Forces, when these soldiers work in these countries where there is war, it is always easier for women victims of conflicts", explained the Defense Minister during her speech.

Robles has commented that the presence of uniformed women makes local women "feel safer" and has defended that, in this way, they are given protection and, at the same time, empowered.

The Minister of Defense has highlighted that the military, with their work in peace missions, teach women and girls to defend their rights, their country and to have initiative.

Robles has also stressed that women in positions of power must be "very radical in asking for solutions" and "not be relaxed." "We always have to be warriors," she added in her speech.

He has pointed out that Spain is working on the implementation of Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council, although he has recognized that "it is very difficult" to apply it.

"When I go to important meetings, in the UN, in NATO, in the EU, we are aware that we have to implement this resolution, but I don't know why we always stop. We say that it is very important, but I don't know why, we stop ", admitted the minister.

He has also lamented that women become victims of the "terrible weapon" that is sexual assault in war.