Ambassador Henry-Martin Underscores the Importance of Women in Security at Women, Peace, and Security Seminar

The Inter-American Defense Board (IADB) hosted a pivotal seminar on Women, Peace, and Security at Casa del Soldado in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 2025, focusing on strategies to integrate women into operational roles within armed forces. The event brought together an assembly of prominent figures, including defense officials, policymakers, and experts, to deliberate on policies and programs designed to empower women within defense institutions across the Western Hemisphere. Ambassador Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin, Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Chair of the Committee on Hemispheric Security (CHS), delivered a compelling address, underscoring the critical need for inclusive practices in defense and security, particularly emphasizing the integration of women not just as a matter of equality but as a strategic imperative for enduring peace and security.

Ambassador Henry-Martin’s presence at the IADB seminar marked a historic occasion, as the CHS, for the first time, is spearheaded by an all-female leadership team. This symbolic representation highlighted the growing recognition of women’s contributions to security matters within the region. Her remarks centered on the crucial role of inclusive policies in security institutions. She argued that the effectiveness and resilience of security apparatuses are intrinsically linked to their ability to harness the full potential of all individuals, irrespective of gender. This reinforces the idea that diversity, including gender diversity, strengthens institutions by bringing a broader range of perspectives and skills to bear on complex challenges.

The Ambassador’s address emphasized the strategic importance of incorporating women into defense sectors. This integration, she argued, is not merely a matter of achieving equality but is a necessary condition for effective and sustainable security strategies. She posited that armed forces that accurately reflect the demographic composition of their societies are better positioned to address complex security challenges and achieve mission success. This perspective suggests that a diverse military, including representation of women, fosters a deeper understanding of the societal landscape, leading to more nuanced and effective responses to security threats.

The seminar also highlighted the importance of international and regional frameworks related to Women, Peace, and Security. Ambassador Henry-Martin referenced United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, a landmark resolution that established the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. This agenda is built upon four pillars: prevention of violence against women and girls in conflict zones, participation of women in peace and security decision-making, protection of women’s rights, and support for women’s roles in post-conflict recovery. The OAS, through initiatives like the CHS and IADB, plays a crucial role in promoting these principles and fostering collaboration among member states. These platforms facilitate the exchange of best practices and provide support for the implementation of national policies that advance women’s roles in defense, security, disaster response, peace operations, and disarmament.

While acknowledging the strides made by OAS member states in implementing policies to enhance women’s participation in the military, Ambassador Henry-Martin also addressed the persistent challenges that remain. These challenges include deeply ingrained cultural norms and biases, barriers to career advancement and promotion for women within military ranks, and the lack of adequate support networks for female service members. Overcoming these obstacles requires a multifaceted approach involving policy reforms, education and awareness campaigns, and the creation of supportive environments within defense institutions. Addressing these systemic issues is crucial to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the security sector.

Following her address, Ambassador Henry-Martin was presented with a certificate and a token of appreciation by Brigadier General Eduardo Villegas, Vice President of the IADB’s Council of Delegates, recognizing her contributions to the seminar and her leadership within the CHS. The IADB seminar on Women, Peace, and Security served as a valuable forum for dialogue and collaboration, reaffirming the collective commitment to advancing gender inclusivity in security institutions across the Americas. The event underscored the growing consensus that gender equality in the defense sector is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for achieving lasting peace and security in the region.

The IADB Women, Peace and Security Seminar, with its focused discussions and exchange of insights, provided a roadmap for fostering a more inclusive and effective security framework throughout the Americas. The event served as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s invaluable contributions to maintaining peace and stability and underscored the need for continued efforts to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for women within the defense and security sectors. The emphasis on collaborative action and shared responsibility highlights the importance of continued engagement and dialogue among OAS member states to achieve the goals of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and ensure a more secure and equitable future for all.