Revolution Achieves Full Inclusion Of Women in the FANB

Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 12:44 pm
Article: Radio National Venezuela

Revolution Achieves Full Inclusion Of Women in the FANB

Translation by Owen Richards

RNV
July 29, 2012

Click for big version.

Carmen Melendez, first Admiral of Venezuela, said on Sunday that the full inclusion of Venezuelan women in the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) was achieved during Hugo Chavez’s presidential rule.

She made the comments during the Jose Vicente Hoy program, hosted by journalist Jose Vicente Rangel and transmitted by the private channel Televen.

Melendez recalled that during the Fourth Republic period, the FANB was clearly an environment only open to men. “We weren’t allowed into operational units”.

Starting in 2000, women were allowed to join all components of the FANB, “without any kind of discrimination. We have officers on ships, chief pilots, submarine crew, and tank crew. Life has changed”.

Melendez also pointed out that 26% of new graduates were women, and that the number of women currently enrolled in various [military] academies is “incredible”.

“Within ten years, we’ll have a women’s participation rate of 50% or more in the FANB”. Melendez also pointed out that “we have an National Armed Forces, that is better equipped, trained and ready to combat any aggression”.

ENDS

World Headlines

WORLD > >

Turkey: Law Broken Once Again: Children Are Blacklisted!

Children have been exposed to many different forms of state violence in the protests that took place in many different parts of Turkey, in order to support the protests that commenced in Taksim Gezi Park as of May 31st. Hundreds of people, including children were arrested and thousands of people were wounded. More>>

ALSO:

Abahlali baseMjondolo - "We Are All Turkish Democrats": Solidarity from South Africa

M23 Rebels: UN Welcomes Impending Talks Between DR Congo, M23 Rebels

Welcoming the possible resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the 23 March Movement (M23), the United Nations Special Envoy for Africa's Great Lake's region has urged both sides to engage in earnest discussion to resolve all outstanding issues. More>>

Cambodia: Expulsion Of Opposition Parties From Cambodian Parliament

The United States is deeply concerned by reports that the Permanent Committee of the Cambodian National Assembly, made up entirely of members of the ruling party, has expelled opposition lawmakers from the National Assembly. Such a decision starkly contradicts the spirit of a healthy democratic process. More>>

Syria: UN Announces Largest Ever Humanitarian Appeal

The UN has launched a US$5 billion appeal for Syria, the largest emergency funding call in its history. Save the Children says gaining access to the millions of children trapped in Syria and at acute risk from the conflict must become the international community’s priority. More>>

Turkey: UN Calls On Turkish Government To Ensure Freedom Of Assembly

New York, Jun 4 2013 - The United Nations human rights office urged the Government of Turkey to guarantee that its citizens have the right to assemble freely and in a peaceful manner, following days of violent clashes between protestors and police. More>>

ALSO:

Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ - Turkey: End Abusive Use of Force & Reveal Extent of Injuries
United Nations Human Rights Commissioner - OHCHR Press Briefing Note - 1) Turkey

Egypt: NGO Trial Verdicts And Sentences

The United States is deeply concerned by the guilty verdicts and sentences, including the suspended sentences, handed down by an Egyptian court today against 43 NGO representatives in what was a politically-motivated trial. More>>

Tamil Eelam: Freedom Charter Declared

The Transnational Government of TamilEelam declared Tamil Eelam Freedom Charter on on May 18, 2013. Tamil groups from around the world, coordinated by the Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE), initiated the process of drafting the Freedom Charter, through extensive consultation from Tamils worldwide. More>>

Indonesia: Amnesty International Report Bashes Indonesia Rights

Amnesty International has decried a repressive human rights climate in Indonesia and a worrying lack of progress in addressing past abuses, in a report that is also the third in as many weeks to criticize rising religious intolerance in the country. More>>