CanCham’s Women’s Day Special Dinner – “Women in the Military”

CanCham’s Women’s Day Special Dinner – “Women in the Military”
18.02.2026

Dear CanCham and CAF Members and Friends,

We are pleased to invite you to our Women’s Day Special Dinner Event: “Women in the Military”, taking place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 18:30.

Our special guest speaker will be Antoņina Bļodone, Commander of the Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters Battalion.

In today’s complex global political environment, defense and security rank among the highest national priorities. These responsibilities require the engagement of society as a whole — from civilian to military spheres, from tactical operations to strategic partnerships, and from men to women alike.

This special evening will foster discussion on the evolving role of women in Latvia’s armed forces, reflecting Commander Bļodone’s experience and insights, and highlighting their contribution to peace, equality, democracy, independence, and freedom. The event will bring together representatives from the public sector, the defense community, and the business sector to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on matters of national and international importance.

Discussion topics could include:

The role of women in the Latvian Armed Forces and their contribution to national and international security
Developments in compulsory military service and possible future policy directions
Public perception, societal acceptance, and key challenges related to expanded participation of women in defense
The role of international and bilateral organizations in supporting dialogue, partnerships, and informed decision-making

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drink (beer, wine, or juice), followed by a three-course seated dinner.

Starter: Caesar salad with chicken breast
Main course: Chicken breast in spinach-garlic sauce with potato gratin
Dessert: Cheesecake with cherry sauce

Date:

Monday, March 9th, 2026, 2026

Time:

18.30 – 21.30

Place:

Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel, 11. Novembra krastmala 33, Rīga,

https://www.mogotel.com/en/hotels/riverside-spa-hotel

please register here

Cost:

€50.00 for CanCham and CAF members, €60.00 for non-members.

Payment:

Payment Options:

Direct transfer to the CanCham account to Kanādas Tirdzniecības Palāta Latvijā Biedrība, Swedbank (HABALV22), Account Nr.: LV41HABA0551042837971. Invoices will be sent after cash transfer. Payment reference: Women in the Military
An invoice can be issued upon registration.
For alternative arrangements, please contact Ed Kalvins at ed.kalvins@cancham.lv or call +371 29 255 223

Reservation and payment deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026 at 17:00. Seating capacity is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Advance payment is required. Your place at the event is confirmed upon receipt of payment. CanCham reserves the right to charge registered persons who do not cancel their reservations by Friday, March 6th at 17.00.

To join as a CanCham member, please follow this link.

Program:

18.30 Arrival and welcome drink / Networking

19.00	Opening remarks, Una Brūna, Vice President, CanCham
19.05	Keynote Address: Commander Antoņina Bļodone
	Commander, Latvian National Armed Forces Joint Headquarters Battalion
19.30	Three-course dinner served
20.15	Q&A discussion
21.00	Informal networking

Dress Code:

Business casual

Please visit:

Cancham News, CanCham in Face Book, Upcoming Events

We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging and meaningful evening of discussion and networking.

Yours Sincerely,

Ed Kalvins, Chairman

Photography Notice: Please note that this event may be photographed, and images may be published on social media platforms and websites as part of event reports. If you do not wish your photograph to appear in public communications, please indicate this in the notes section of your registration form.

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Upcoming events

Women in the Military

Monday, March 9th, 2026, 18.30 to 21.30

Register here, more info

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