“WE WILL ADAPT, THOSE WHO CREATE PROBLEMS ARE THE MEN”: FEMALE OFFICERS IN THE CHILEAN ARMED FORCES

Abstract

Across the world, the Armed Forces continue to have difficulties to integrate and retain women in their organizations. Although Chile is not an exception in this regard, existing knowledge about the experience of military women is scarce. This study is based on interviews with female officers in order to analyse the obstacles that they identify in their daily professional life and that may influence their decision to remain in the Armed Forces. Specifically, the article addresses three groups of factors that can negatively influence the work experience of women based on gender: factors related to professional development, work environment and personal life. It will be shown that female officers face problems that their male peers generally do not face, or experience differently. Based on the shortcomings identified, the article presents practical recommendations to reduce the gender gap in the Armed Forces.