Public Information Adviser International Military Staff Press Release 008.98 29 May 1998

NATO's Top Women in Uniform to Meet Military women from 18 nations will meet at NATO Headquarters from 2 - 5 June to share information and discuss common issues. The Committee on Women in the NATO Armed Forces annual conference will see about 100 representatives from NATO's 14 allied nations, plus guests from the three invited countries, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, as well as from Sweden. The women's committee was formed by senior military women in 1961, but was not formally recognised by NATO until 1976. Today, it serves as an advisory body on critical issues affecting women in the NATO armed forces. During the four-day meeting, each nation will report the status of its female forces and any major policy changes affecting them. "It will include the number and ranks of women by service, career fields open to women, and any new initiatives related to goals or objectives previously set by the committee", Major Sarah Garcia, United States Air Force, the Committee's secretary, stated. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, the Alliance's three member invitees, will give presentations on women in their militaries. France is slated to give a special presentation on Partnership for Peace initiatives, and Sweden will brief on its mentoring programme for women. Belgium has scheduled a briefing on matters of equality. Single-service panel discussions will be held by Army, Navy, Air Force and Medical Corps representatives. Three subcommittees - Utilisation and Development, Equity and Leadership, and Quality of Life - will also meet during the conference. Media advisory: Further information can be obtained from: Colonel Frank Salis, tel (+32 2) 707 54 22 or Major Sarah Garcia, tel (+32 2) 707 57 61 Press conference by Members of the Committee scheduled for: Thursday 4 June 1998 at 10.45 in the Martino Room, NATO Headquarters