America Club Presents “Women in Military”

Sergeant Robyn's experience in Kosovo

In recognition of Women’s History month, the U.S. Embassy and America club hosted two excellent lecturers on March 27, 2008 to discuss the history and experiences of women in the military. 

U.S. Embassy defense representative, Staff Sergeant Robyn Gaddy, presented a history of women in the U.S. military and personal insights from her fourteen years of experience in the United States Army.

Eritrean Woman Fighter

Eritrean ex-fighter, Mrs. Abrehet HabteGeorgis, provided a historic background of the contributions of Eritrean women to the military, with a particular focus on contributions during the struggle for independence. Both participants addressed the sacrifices made by women in supporting their nations, and the additional challenges women soldiers face in handling societal perceptions and juggling family responsibilities with their military commitments.

The question-and-answer session started with a poignant moment of silence for Eritrean and U.S. women soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their countries. Many of the 150 individuals who attended the lecture were female fighters in the Eritrean struggle for independence.

The America Club’s monthly lectures are held the fourth Thursday of every month at the Eritro-German auditorium, starting at 6:30 PM, and are open to the general public.