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Why It's Essential to Have More Women in Latin America's Militaries

By Cecilia Tornaghi

An interview with a UN peacekeeping veteran who says combat units are far more effective with a strong female presence.

This article is adapted from AQ's special report on Latin America's armed forces.

Whether because of prejudice, paternalism or other factors, women in the military still face skepticism in Latin America.

Forces around the region began enlisting female troops in the 1980s, but they were mostly kept out of combat roles or frontline operations. High-ranking female officers in Latin America are few in number. Some have served as doctors, teachers and...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.

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