Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

A member of the Djiboutian Coast Guard wears a souvenir patch given to her for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)