The first meeting convened by the COCER of the XI term to discuss issues concerning the status of women
Representatives from elected groups within the various Joint Administration and Representation Committees (COBAR) of the Armed Forces“ Bodies/Departments attended the meeting to discuss issues specifically relating to women in the military. In particular, matters were addressed concerning family reunifications, flexible working hours for female employees, the need to establish or enhance facilities to support military families (such as nurseries, playrooms, and holiday camps), the widespread dissemination of directives pertaining to female personnel (SMA-ORD-030 and the ”Guidelines" on equal treatment, interpersonal relationships, and the protection of family and parental rights for personnel issued by the Defence Staff), and the recognition of the Representation's expertise in safeguarding the working conditions of female military personnel.
It has emerged clearly from the discussion how issues concerning female personnel are inextricably linked to those related to the family unit, and their impact on the peculiar nature of military work, which has evident repercussions on family and parental relationships. It has also emerged that the themes discussed during the meeting, while arising from typically female needs, have implications and are of interest to all military personnel of any rank.
At the end of the meeting, the COCER undertook to report to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Pasquale Preziosa, and to maintain lively and constant relations with the female personnel of the Representation, both through periodic meetings and by creating a network for the exchange of information with the representatives as knowledge terminals for the needs of the female world.
