Women In International Security

Women In International Security Since the founding of WIIS in 1987, women have advanced to increasingly important roles in the field of international security.

Women In International Security (WIIS) is the only global network actively advancing women’s leadership, at all stages of their careers, in the international peace and security field. There are new and expanding opportunities for women’s participation globally, as women are present in greater numbers in foreign and defense affairs and now occupy important positions in governments around the world.

In recent years, the international community has recognized the important contributions of women to peace and security, and has made commitments to include women in peace and security decision-making at all levels. But equal representation of women is not yet a reality, especially at senior levels of policy making. The number of women obtaining degrees in international affairs-related programs is increasing, and in many organizations that work on peace and security issues, women make up almost half of the entry level professional workforce. Yet, in the majority of security policy making institutions, women comprise less than 30 percent of senior leadership positions. Entry into the profession is not necessarily translating into advancement into leadership positions in key peace and security institutions. The lack of female representation in decision-making positions means that the international community is missing the diversity of expertise and perspectives that are desperately needed in this field. WIIS recognizes that all women do not share the same opinions about how to address the world’s security problems. But women often share common experiences and challenges as women, and they often share common, valuable approaches to leadership roles. WIIS’ research demonstrates that women in these positions of authority often share consultative, inclusive, and collaborative leadership styles. The contributions that women have made and could potentially make to international peace and security are just beginning to be recognized. WIIS is working to ensure that recognition translates into leadership opportunities for women around the world.

January 24th is  . On this day, we want to recognize that education is a human right and affirm the importance of gender...
01/24/2025

January 24th is . On this day, we want to recognize that education is a human right and affirm the importance of gender-equitable education systems globally, which allow girls to safely and successfully complete their schooling.

Women serving in combat isn't just about inclusion—it’s a strategic advantage. Gender diversity has been shown to make m...
01/23/2025

Women serving in combat isn't just about inclusion—it’s a strategic advantage. Gender diversity has been shown to make missions more effective.

WIIS has led research on the critical contributions of women in defense forces for years. Check out the WIIS research page on Women in Defense & Security to learn more: https://ow.ly/eOpH50UM8qJ

Want to join the conversation on women in defense? Join WIIS today: https://ow.ly/XyAp50UM8qM

Today, we honor the contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to movements of racial and social justice. On this ...
01/20/2025

Today, we honor the contributions made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to movements of racial and social justice.

On this day as well, we want to spotlight Dr. King's wife, Coretta Scott King, who also dedicated her life to social change as a champion of women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and global peace.

The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda consists of ten UNSC resolutions and is rooted in four organizing pillars: P...
01/16/2025

The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda consists of ten UNSC resolutions and is rooted in four organizing pillars: Participation, Protection, Prevention, and Relief & Recovery. Join us as we explore them in today's post!

Looking for a   with similar security interests? WIIS members have access to the Member Directory, an online space for m...
01/15/2025

Looking for a with similar security interests?

WIIS members have access to the Member Directory, an online space for members to learn about each other's careers and reach out. Remember to fill out your profile so other members can see your interests! Access through your member portal: https://ow.ly/zthx50UH9Qo

Not a member yet? Join WIIS today to connect and grow your network: https://ow.ly/9EYE50UH9Qn

On October 31st, 2000, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, the first to acknowledge the unique impact of co...
01/08/2025

On October 31st, 2000, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1325, the first to acknowledge the unique impact of conflict on women and girls and affirm the critical role they play in peace and security efforts.

25 years later, WIIS is excited to implement "1325 @ 25", a year-long initiative that will analyze the accomplishments and shortfalls of the WPS Agenda, and advocate for transformative action to fully realize gender equality in peace and security.

Follow along with us this year (and beyond) as we share research, events, and diverse viewpoints celebrating this pivotal milestone!

We're kicking off 2025 with exciting news—please join us in welcoming Mahathi Ayyagari (she/her) as the Howard S. Brembe...
01/03/2025

We're kicking off 2025 with exciting news—please join us in welcoming Mahathi Ayyagari (she/her) as the Howard S. Brembeck Women, Peace, and Security Fellow, hosted at WIIS. We are grateful to the Fourth Freedom Forum for their support in making this opportunity possible.

With experience at the International Peace Institute and an MSc in Gender, Peace, and Security from the LSE, Mahathi’s research interests include feminist foreign policy, the climate-gender-conflict nexus, and more.

We're thrilled to have her expertise as part of our team!

Whose voices are heard in the international security field?Today is your last chance to make a tax-deductible year-end d...
12/31/2024

Whose voices are heard in the international security field?

Today is your last chance to make a tax-deductible year-end donation to help advance women in peace & security. Your support enables us to produce vital research, ensuring voices of all genders are heard.

Give today, change tomorrow—donate here: https://ow.ly/XoCP50Uvnsj

And check out our new policy brief on NATO's commitment to Women, Peace, and Security today: https://ow.ly/yz1j50Uvnse

Make a Difference with WIIS!Gender perspectives in international security are more important than ever, as crises contin...
12/30/2024

Make a Difference with WIIS!

Gender perspectives in international security are more important than ever, as crises continue to disproportionately affect women around the world.

By to WIIS before 2024 ends, you advance women's role in the peace and security field while receiving valuable tax benefits.

Donate today to make an impact in 2025: https://ow.ly/MuEz50UvnaM
Read our Annual Report to see our impact in 2024: https://ow.ly/EVHw50UvnaH

Ready to make an impact? Want to advance women's role in peace and security?With an end-of-year donation to  , you help ...
12/26/2024

Ready to make an impact? Want to advance women's role in peace and security?

With an end-of-year donation to , you help fund research, shape policy, amplify diverse voices, and advance women leaders—plus, enjoy tax benefits!

In 2024, WIIS led crucial conversations on Women, Peace, and Security, and amplified emerging voices. We need your support to continue this crucial work in 2025.

Donate today and read our Annual Report to see how your support makes a difference!

Donate: https://ow.ly/cMvX50UvmGm
Read our Annual Report: https://ow.ly/eBMl50UvmGr

The WIIS 2024 Annual Report is here! Thanks to your unwavering support, WIIS helped shape the NATO WPS Policy, led polic...
12/19/2024

The WIIS 2024 Annual Report is here!

Thanks to your unwavering support, WIIS helped shape the NATO WPS Policy, led policy discussions at 6 major global security conferences, and grew our network with a 50% increase in membership and a new WIIS chapter in Latvia. Together, we're closing the global gender gap in peace and security.

Read the report now to see how your support made an impact: https://ow.ly/Ob3L50UuwNk

#2024

December 10th is  , marking 76 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General A...
12/10/2024

December 10th is , marking 76 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948 and the conclusion of this year’s .

WIIS stands with the United Nations in the fight for human rights for all genders by ensuring all voices are included in policymaking.

As global conflicts escalate, women’s leadership is more crucial than ever. Donations to WIIS help fund research and pro...
12/03/2024

As global conflicts escalate, women’s leadership is more crucial than ever. Donations to WIIS help fund research and programs that support women in leadership and bridge gender divides in international security.

This , let’s lift up voices of all genders in peace and security—ensuring that our fight for lasting change endures.

Donate today: https://wiisglobal.org/donate/

Donations are tax-exempt. WIIS is recognized in the US as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of the   of acti...
11/25/2024

November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the first day of the of activism against gender-based violence. Today and every day, we stand in solidarity with survivors of GBV.

At WIIS, we believe in the power of gender-inclusive leadership to create safer societies. Together, we can amplify our voices and break the silence.

To learn more about these issues, watch our event on Technology-Facilitated GBV here: https://ow.ly/u0Ls50Ufcw8

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