MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile’s military parade breaks records, including women participation

The impressive parade in downtown Santiago included 892 women from the Armed Services

Chile’s annual September 19 Armed Forces military parade broke records this year. The event was the largest of its kind ever, showcasing 131 Air Force airplanes for the commencement ceremonies and with 11,000 Armed Forces personnel participating.

Nearly one tenth - 892 - of the Armed Services members were women, marking the largest female presence in the parade’s history.

The military parade, which has been a tradition since 1915, draws thousands of spectators to Santiago’s Parque O’Higgins – one of the city’s largest parks. It also marks the closing of Chile’s official Independence Day celebrations.

Chile's National Service for Women (SERNAM) Director Laura Albornoz said she was satisfied with growing female inclusion in the nation’s Armed Forces. “Is there room for improvement?” asked Albornoz. “I think there is, and that’s a reality.”

Female soldiers, police officers and other members of the armed forces have stricter dress codes than their male counterparts. Female Carabinero officers (uniformed police) have standardized earrings and makeup, and marched in the parade in heels and skirts.

“I hope that in the future we will see greater inclusion as something lasting and standard, that it doesn’t surprise us that a women can pilot a war aircraft like we saw today,” she said speaking of Karina Miranda – who made history in 2006 for being Chile’s first female Air Force pilot.

In 2006 the military parade was lead for the first time by women – then Secretary of Defence Vivianne Blanlot and newly elected President Michelle Bachelet.

Saturday’s parade was Bachelet’s last as president.

By Santiago Times Staff (editor@santiagotimes.cl)