The event was an introductory forum to share ideas on increasing women participation in the security sector and important areas for human rights development. WPS is a critical way to engage with local communities to build relationships, and gain local knowledge and insight.

"Sharing leadership ideas and engaging with our partners on overcoming shared barriers is the highlight of these visits for me," Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, Chief of Staff, NAVEUR-NAVAF, said. "I always walk away with incredible insight and a deep appreciation for the incredible achievements of women serving their respective nations and the men who support their success."

Women, Peace and Security initiatives are an integral component of efforts to enhance African partner capability by enabling U.S. security cooperation to better leverage the contributions of both men and women.

South Africa is a leader in Africa on the achievements in both military and civilian WPS efforts.

“We promote Women, Peace, and Security in everything we do not only because it reflects our values and increases opportunities for peace and cooperation,” Mark Schapiro, NAVEUR-NAVAF foreign policy advisor, said. “We promote WPS also because no team can win with only half its players on the field - so we believe in maximizing the human and economic potential of our partners and our own society.”

NAVEUR-NAVAF believes peace processes in which women participate as mediators, negotiators, and as part of interest groups have significantly better prospects than those in which women are absent.

For over 70 years, U.S. Sixth Fleet forces have forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners and solidified a foundation of shared values, experiences, and vision aimed at preserving security and stability.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.