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Countering Violent Extremism Depends on Women
This article, by Jillian Slutzker, was originally published by Creative Associates International. Women can and should play a larger role in identifying and reducing the root causes that drive individuals to radicalization and possible violent extremism, according to experts at the CVE Symposium in Washington, D.C. “Exclusion breeds conflict and the processes that are used […]
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Women Absent from Myanmar’s Peace Talks
Tasked with ending the world’s longest-running civil war, Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi has made peace the top priority of her new government. But she is one of few women at the helm of this critical peace process. According to a new policy brief by the Alliance for Gender Inclusion in the Peace Process (AGIPP), […]
Big Idea, Press
How Getting Women Involved Can Combat Extremism and Save Lives
This article was published by PBS NewsHour. As increasingly costly, disruptive and deadly conflicts unfold around the world, a House hearing last week highlighted that when women participate in negotiations, the resulting agreement is 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years. “Think about the lives saved and economies maintained by a 35 […]
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In the Wake of Ebola, Sierra Leone Seeks to Renew Holistic Push for Peace and Gender Equality
This article was originally published by One Earth Future. Authored by Alexandra Amling and Brittany Persinger Sierra Leone launched its National Action Plan (SiLNAP) for advancing women’s participation in decision-making around peace and security in 2010, following a comprehensive assessment that mapped existing national, provincial, and local level initiatives. Implementation of the SiLNAP started off […]
Post
House Holds “Truly Historic” Hearing on Women and Security
The House Foreign Affairs Committee held the first-ever hearing by a full congressional panel on the role of women in peace and security. Jacqueline O’Neill, Director of The Institute for Inclusive Security, one of three witnesses, testified that the hearing “put a crucial topic squarely on the agenda of one of the most prominent committees […]
Press
Balance Aside, Experts Tout Vital Role Women Play in Peace Talks
This article was originally published by Courthouse News Service. On heightened alert after terrorist attacks in Brussels that morning, members of Congress focused Tuesday on the vital role women play in countering violent extremism. When women participate in peacemaking efforts, those processes result in agreements 98 percent of the time, and are 35 percent more […]
Press
Time for Congress to Take the Lead on Inclusive Security
This article was originally published by The Hill. Consider an all-too-familiar scenario. A civil war smolders, hundreds of thousands have died. With U.S. interests at stake, we’ve invested billions of dollars and countless hours of diplomacy to convince the warring parties to reach an agreement. These negotiations aren’t just about securing a temporary ceasefire; they […]
Post, Video
VIDEO: Ambassador Swanee Hunt: “We’re Talking About Security”
Ambassador Swanee Hunt recounts her conversation with a US general in 2003, who said of Iraq: “When we get the place secure, then we’ll be able to talk about women’s issues.” She counters that, in order to build security, we need to draw on 100% of our resources. This video is from the opening of […]
Research
Inclusive Ceasefires: Paper Presented at the International Studies Association’s 57th Annual Convention
This paper was submitted to the International Studies Association’s 57th Annual Convention. Traditional approaches to ending wars—where armed groups meet behind closed doors to hammer out a truce—are falling short in the face of 21st century conflicts. In 2014, the world experienced the highest battle-related death toll since the Cold War. Belligerents increasingly target civilians, and […]
Research
Inclusive Political Settlements: New Insights from Yemen’s National Dialogue
This article is from the “Women, peace, and inclusive security” edition of PRISM—a top defense and security studies journal—which was co-produced by Inclusive Security and the National Defense University. Read the full issue. Periods of exceptionally high social and political conflict present an opportunity for the fundamental remaking of a society. These conflicts are often […]
