It’s a strategic blind spot for the Pentagon, but gender and warfare are inextricably intertwined. Let’s train our forces to face that. In 2009, frustrated that several male insurgents had escaped a cordoned area by disguising themselves as Afghan women in burqas, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Matt Pottinger established the first U.S. Female Engagement Team […]
Another chemical weapons attack in Syria, a caravan of Central American migrants fleeing conflict — these stories not only dominate our news, but also reinforce existing American perceptions that conflict happens abroad, not here at home. Thanks to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act, which Congress passed in October of last year, the United States is […]
With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8th, it’s fitting to take note of one of the few hopeful moments in American politics this past year: The enactment of the Women, Peace and Security Act of 2017 was a quiet bipartisan landmark, the culmination of more than two decades of relentless advocacy to involve women in decisions […]
The United States government has taken an enormous step toward involving women as decision-makers on matters of war and peace. In recent months, both chambers of the US Congress approved the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. President Trump signed it into law on Oct. 6. With this action, the federal government has made […]
Now, the United States is required to increase and strengthen women’s participation in peace negotiations and conflict prevention. This is vital because, as the evidence shows, when women are at the table, enduring peace is more likely. This BIPARTISAN legislation was championed by many members of Congress. Will you join us in thanking them for leading […]
The Women, Peace, and Security Act—which will enhance global security by strengthening women’s participation in peace negotiations and conflict prevention—is now on the brink of becoming law! For five years, we’ve worked with some incredible people to raise awareness about the issue, advocate for legislation, and see it passed through both houses of Congress. One of those people is Allison Peters, our former […]
The US House of Representatives took a giant bipartisan step toward involving women in peace and security by passing legislation to make inclusive security a core component of US foreign policy. The chamber today adopted the Women, Peace, and Security Act on a voice vote. The measure now moves to the Senate. During a Foreign […]
In the face of complex global threats, from terrorism to resource scarcity, the US must expand its foreign policy toolbox. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that inclusion of women improves peace and security outcomes. When women participate in negotiations to end war, agreements last longer. When they serve in police forces, countries are better […]
Seventy-five percent of American voters rank foreign policy as one of the most important issues influencing their vote in the 2016 elections. That’s second only to terrorism (80 percent) and the economy (84 percent). It’s clear that citizens are concerned about America’s role in fostering global prosperity and stability. In the face of complex threats, […]
“The benefits of women’s participation—and the risks of their exclusion—in all aspects of governance and peacekeeping are too great to ignore.” That was the sentiment expressed recently by Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) at a historic House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on advancing women’s inclusion in peace and security. Today, we commend the committee for putting […]
