Spain is on a drive to get women in special force

In a tryst to tackle terrorism and unconventional warfare, Spain's defence ministry is set to open more special forces roles for women.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles noted that the UN has called for more women to help resolve conflicts worldwide. There's an urgent requirement for Arabic-speaking women for UN-or Nato-led missions in conflict areas, such as Iraq or Libya.

12.7% of the military jobs were open for women in Spain in 1999. The defence ministry hinted at more recruitments even though Spain's women recruitment is above the Nato's average 11.1%.

In the Spanish military, non-combat roles are generally performed by women than men; they are also low in the ranking.

Spain is ahead of Germany, UK and Netherlands in terms of women in armed forces while it's behind France.

Mr Núñez rightly emphasised that women had a key role to play in smoothing relations with civilians in conflict areas.

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