Nicholette and I just got back from helping US troops in the West African country of Chad, where we supported the first ever International Women’s Day Forum in N’djamena. The event was part of Flintlock 2017, an annual military exercise among African, allied, and US special operations forces that builds the ability of West African countries to defeat terrorist groups like al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Boko Haram.

Women’s involvement in the security, civil society, and the business sectors is vital to stability and progress in the region. This forum created an environment where women could freely discuss the challenges they face in their respective fields, network, and develop a plan of action.

Check out a video of the day’s events and an interview with SoA’s Nicholette, who joined me on the trip.

The forum was a huge success, with over 120 Chadian women leaders in attendance. The US and German ambassadors’ remarks set the tone for the day, followed by a powerful panel of successful Chadian and US military women. Click here to read more about the day’s events.

As Flintlock 2017 continues, your support will allow us to support the men and women doing great work throughout West Africa. We greatly appreciate your generosity!

All the best,

Chris Clary
Project Manager