The new Women in International Security (WIIS) "Progress Report on Women in Peace and Security Careers:  U.S. Executive Branch" is the first report to examine women's representation and career experiences in international security in the U.S. government sector.  A panel of USIP and WIIS experts will discuss the report's implications and the next steps to fulfilling its recommendations.


At the highest levels of the U.S. government, women are increasingly occupying high-ranking, visible power positions in national security and foreign policy. There have been great strides in recent decades, but it is also clear that much more needs to be done to support women's leadership.

The new Women in International Security (WIIS) "Progress Report on Women in Peace and Security Careers: U.S. Executive Branch" is the first report to examine women's representation and career experiences in international security in the U.S. government sector.  The report includes a series of key findings and recommendations from extensive discussions with women about representation, leadership, mentoring and work-life balance. A panel of USIP and WIIS experts discuss the report's implications and the next steps to fulfilling its recommendations.

Speakers

  • Jolynn Shoemaker
    Executive Director, Women in International Security (WIIS)
  • Janine Davidson
    Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Plans, Office of the Secretary of Defense
  • Pamela Aall
    Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Tara Sonenshine, Welcome
    Executive Vice President
    U.S. Institute of Peace
  • Kathleen Kuehnast, Moderator
    Gender Adviser, U.S. Institute of Peace

Explore Further

Related Publications

Understanding Masculinities' Role in Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding

Understanding Masculinities' Role in Violent Conflict and Peacebuilding

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Our understanding of the interplay between masculinities, violent conflict and peacebuilding has evolved immensely in recent years due to valuable contributions from both researchers and practitioners. However, this knowledge — as well as men and boys in general — are often overlooked in gender-focused policies and initiatives such as the Women, Peace and Security agenda. USIP spoke to leading scholars and experts about how concepts of masculinities can be incorporated into broader gender analysis and policy agendas on peace and security, as well as how the peacebuilding field can advance a systematic learning agenda on the issue.

Type: Blog

Gender

First Ladies of Peace: Women’s Role in Reducing Conflict in Africa

First Ladies of Peace: Women’s Role in Reducing Conflict in Africa

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Women have long been key partners and leaders in peace across Africa, and the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) was created to help further women’s representation in promoting peace and security throughout the continent. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the first lady of The Gambia and the president of AFLPM, and former Malawi President Joyce Banda discuss how USIP and AFLPM are working together to reduce and prevent violent conflict.

Type: Blog

Conflict Analysis & PreventionGender

How to Support Female Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan

How to Support Female Entrepreneurs in Afghanistan

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Potential areas of cooperation between the Taliban and the international community, such as private sector development and alternative livelihoods to now-banned opium poppy cultivation, will be on the agenda at a meeting of international envoys for Afghanistan hosted by the United Nations in Doha from June 30 to July 1. Discussions on women’s rights are not included, as the Taliban consider it an internal matter. This is ironic, given that the private sector is one area where the Taliban allow limited women’s participation.

Type: Analysis

EconomicsGender

View All Publications