Defence Minister Discusses Gender Equality in the Military

Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov met with representatives of the Bulgarian Armed Forces Women Association (BUAFWA) to discuss gender equality and career development for women in the military, the ministry announced on Monday, CE Report quotes BTA

BUAFWA was represented by its Executive Board Chair, Captain Maria Krashevska, along with Colonel Nevyana Miteva from the Defence Ministry Social Policy Directorate, Lieutenant Martina Moskova of the Military Medical Academy, and Air Force Junior Sergeant Rositsa Dimitrova.

Zapryanov reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that professionalism remains the key criterion for assessing Armed Forces personnel. He emphasized that female service members should have equal opportunities and recognition alongside their male colleagues.

Capt. Krashevska welcomed the meeting as a positive step in social dialogue and acknowledged the minister’s support for addressing key issues. She highlighted BUAFWA’s membership in the European Organisation of Military Associations and Trade Unions (EUROMIL) and its mission to uphold the rights and working conditions of military personnel.

The discussion covered joint initiatives, support for the Bulgarian Armed Forces Children Association, and opportunities for higher defence education.