New York, UA (PANA) - The UN has released its first-ever report on women in the traditionally male-dominated defence sector, based on analysis provided by 55 Member States.
While their participation is increasing, with the number of women in armed forces rising by 27 per cent between 2016 and 2022, the gender gap is still significant.
On average, women make up 12 per cent of personnel in the army, 15 per cent in the air force, 14 per cent in the navy, and 16 per cent in the gendarmerie.
Women’s representation is particularly low in leadership roles. More than 97 per cent of generals and admirals are men, while women account for less than one in 10 senior officers and only around one in six junior officers.
Furthermore, few women fill combat roles. Women working in the armed forces are often concentrated in logistics, administration, combat support, and medical positions, and they are also strongly represented in legal, personnel and public affairs roles.
Where women are permitted to join combat units, their participation averages around 10 per cent.
-0- PANA MA 18Oct2024
