FOR ALL Women and Girls: Brigadier General Vehbije Kuti on Leadership and Empowering Women in Security
#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Brigadier General Vehbije Kuti, Albania’s only woman general, embodies this call by tirelessly advocating for more women in command roles and championing their meaningful participation in peace and security decision-making. Her journey shows that in a military environment where equality is the standard and discrimination is not tolerated, and where women have the full support of their families and institutions, not only can they thrive – they can lead at the highest levels.
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What made a young woman choose a military career at a time when Albania was in the grip of a socio-political transformation?
It was August 1989 when Vehbije Kuti secretly wrote "Military Academy" on all three university application forms, swapping her childhood dream of becoming a doctor for the disciplined lines of uniformed service. She told no one, not even her family. But she knew.
Meet Brigadier General Vehbije Kuti.
Today, she is one of Albania’s highest-ranking women in uniform, a soldier, a wife, a mother and grandmother. Her journey spans 36 transformative years in the Armed Forces, beginning in the final days of communism to today’s dynamic NATO engagements.
Life at the Academy and Early Sacrifices
Vehbije Kuti recalls the moment her path became clear: an encounter with two sharply dressed officers. “That kind of life suits me,” she thought. Thus began her journey defined by discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. Life at the Military Academy was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. At the time, around 20 to 30 young women joined the Academy each year. She recalls that adapting to military life was a challenge. “Discipline came naturally to me, but I wasn’t prepared for the intensity,” she says.
However, Vehbije didn’t notice any difference in how men and women cadets were treated in those years. “There was no obvious difference in how we were treated. What challenged us most was the routine.”
Her greatest test came in her first year when her father passed away. “I didn’t even attend his funeral, to become who I am today,” she quietly shares. Her mother delayed breaking the news to shield her from being distracted during exams. “That moment showed me how much I had sacrificed, and how much this path mattered.”
Balancing Uniformed and Family Life
Wearing the uniform came with pride and personal cost, especially as she was building her own family. Her greatest support is her husband, a fellow officer and former classmate. In 2002, when selected to attend a course in Hungary, she hesitated. Their children were just four and seven years old. His response was immediate: ‘Go’. That was all I needed.
She carried the ache of separation in every phone call. “When they asked, ‘When are you coming home?’ I’d say, ‘One day less than yesterday.” That line became her anchor.
While progress has been made in supporting women balancing military service and family, she notes that more can be done.
“We need more representation of women at command level. We need women in leadership, not just in policy, but in decision-making.”
Breaking Barriers in the Field
In 2019, she was the only woman serving as Assistant Chief of Staff at the Kosovo Force (KFOR) headquarters – Vehbije Kuti served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Support, a demanding post overseeing logistics, personnel, and infrastructure. She reported directly to the Chief of Staff, and at one point, was entrusted to act in that very role.
This was not just a stroke of luck. It was the recognition of capability, earned through years of service at NATO, in Albania’s Armed Forces, and on the ground. Every mission, every challenge sharpened her insight and leadership.
“These roles changed the way I think and lead. I learned to navigate complexity and adapt, especially in an international environment.”
The Future of Women in Security
As we mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Vehbije Cuti calls for real, sustainable progress for women in leadership:
“We’ve made strides, but true progress means creating real pathways for women to rise and remain in leadership. It requires trust, visibility, and a seat at the table.”
Her journey is a powerful reminder of the strength gained when institutions embrace diversity and courage. As Brigadier General, she remains committed to supporting the next generation of women and girls in uniform.
“TO ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS IN UNIFORM, keep moving forward, with dedication, dignity, and integrity.”