BDF General says the Force wants to recruit more women
During today’s interview, the Commander also spoke about the direction the B.D.F. is moving. He acknowledges that times are evolving and things need to change, now that may sound like good talk and all, but the General says he is committed to doing so. And on the topic of change, women are at the centre of it. The B.D.F. as it stands is ninety-three percent male and seven percent female – so there is undoubtedly a lack of balance and need for change in the way things are done. Here’s what General Ortega had to say moving forward about the issues plaguing the B.D.F.:
Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander, BDF
“Although times are changing, you still have to operate as a team. And so you have to understand each member in that team. Therefore, in terms of going for a party, some might agree and some might not. So, therefore we have to strike that balance and therefore in terms of going for a party some might agree and some might not and those who don’t agree they will have whatever they wish. And in terms of make dominated – as you know we are trying to recruit more females because we understand they actually bring a lot to the fight and they actually play a vital role in terms of a different perspective and that is not just lacking here in Belize but throughout the world.”
Reporter
“However, you will accept that people won’t join if they feel that they have a fair chance of being victimized. I am sure you must be aware that women are victimized and are the victims of predatory behaviors through-out their lives in this society and that many of them will be resistant to join if they feel that the BDF is just another old Boy club?”
Brigadier General Steven Ortega
Brigadier General Steven Ortega
“As you mentioned earlier, times are changing and we have to change with the times. As Major Olivera mentioned, that is why we are implementing change as we progress. And the new sexual harassment policy addresses quite a few concerns for women and not only women but male as well.”
Reporter
“Explain to me what is your wish for managing cases of abuse be it, physical, verbal, sexual?”
Brigadier General Steven Ortega
“In my point of view, there is no place for abuse. So, the Week Zero is a sign so that the initial recruits coming in as soldiers will actually have a chance to understand the culture of the reporting process. So, if they believe they have been abused or aggrieved in whatever manner, they understand the process all the way up to my level and beyond. And so they know they have a way out in terms of lodging a complaint and that is the main culture of Week Zero. And that is why I am saying as well that we are also revamping and retraining in terms of the vetting of the instructors who go to training company to ensure that they have that aptitude to convert civilians to soldiers.”
