The Deputy Commandant HPSS Lieutenant Colonel Kaptuway highlighted the significance of the program in promoting gender inclusivity within humanitarian and mine action efforts. He also expressed gratitude to the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) for their continued support and encouraged participants to actively engage in the training to become effective agents of change in their respective fields.

The GICHD Advisor on Gender and Diversity Mr. Dominic, in his remark, expressed his sincere appreciation to HPSS for their support in facilitating the program. He commended the collaborative efforts that made the training possible and emphasized that mine action is not only about technical effectiveness but must also prioritize gender inclusion to truly meet the needs of affected communities.

The program has 16 participants from Kenya, United Kingdom, Iraq, Canada, Yemen, Ukraine, Uganda, South Sudan, Colombia, and Sudan.

The course is sponsored by the Government of Switzerland and supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP).

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Giulietti emphasized Switzerland's belief that peace and security are intrinsically linked, noting the country's commitment to acting as a bridge-builder in international relations. He also acknowledged the critical role Defence Attachés play in promoting peace and stability worldwide.

Brigadier Sitienei, Director of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), remarked, “Over the next eight days, participants will engage with subject matter experts, explore emerging security trends, and share best practices to strengthen global peace and security—an effort that aligns with our mission at IPSTC.”

The course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of defence officials operating in both bilateral and multilateral settings, covering various dimensions of international security.

This year's course has brought together 36 participants from a diverse group of countries, including Austria, Azerbaijan, Angola, Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Korea, Mauritania, Namibia, the Netherlands, and Ukraine.

The course aims to enhance the technical expertise of women in the field of ammunition management, safety, and disposal. It seeks to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle ammunition safely and efficiently. Additionally, it promotes gender inclusivity in the sector, encouraging more women to take on leadership roles in technical fields. Beyond technical training, the course fosters professional networking, enabling participants to exchange ideas, share best practices, and build lasting connections that will contribute to regional cooperation and security.

The Kenya Air Force Commander, Major General Fatuma Ahmed highlighted that the course will equip the participants with the technical knowledge and skills required to excel in this demanding field. She emphasized that the success of this course will pave the way for more women to take up critical roles in ammunition management, explosive ordnance disposal, and technical advisory positions within peacekeeping and national security frameworks.

The Colonel Plans and Programmes IPSTC, Colonel C Aritho emphasized that the course participants are pioneers who represent progress, resilience, and the future of ammunition management and explosive ordnance disposal in our region. He urged the participants to fully embrace this opportunity to learn and collaborate.

The Chief Guest, Secretary General and Policy Director Austria MOD Dr. Arnold Kammel commended the organizers for their efforts in advancing women’s participation in ammunition technical fields. In his speech, he emphasized that the Regional Women Ammunition Technical Experts Course would not only equip participants with essential technical expertise but also foster valuable networking opportunities. He encouraged the participants to actively engage with one another and expressed confidence that the course would contribute to building a strong network of skilled women in the field, strengthening regional security and technical capabilities.

Also in attendance was Director of Defence Policy and International Relations Brig General Roland Vartok, Deputy Commandant HPSS Lt. Col. Kaptuway, Executive Secretary of Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) Mr. Jean Pierre Betindji, Kenya National Focal Point Deputy Director Mr. Richard Mwaura, and other distinguished guests.