Updates & Opportunities

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May 2025 Newsletter

Dear WIIS Colleagues,

This May, WIIS reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s leadership in international security through the WPS agenda—a research-based framework integral in effectively tackling complex global challenges.

One way to support this mission is by joining WIIS in sponsoring The Fight to Fight, a powerful documentary spotlighting the first women to join U.S. Army combat units in 2016. Your donation [[link removed]] will help to bring this inspiring story of courage and change to influential audiences and venues.

WIIS saw great growth in April, launching three new global affiliates in Denmark, Nigeria, and Rwanda.

We also launched our “Enhancing Security” Data Assessment Tool, which I invite you to explore [[link removed]].

In solidarity,

Ariela Blätter

President & CEO, Women In International Security (WIIS)

"Enhancing Security" Data Assessment Tool

Access the Tool & Data [[link removed]]

WIIS Global is excited to announce the launch of its Data Assessment Tool.

WIIS created the Data Assessment Tool as an interactive dashboard to access, filter, and visualize data that was collected as part of the “Enhancing Security” Project. This research examines the level of implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in the military and police forces across 29 Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2020 and 2023.

The Fight to Fight

Show your Support [[link removed]] Learn More [[link removed]]

WIIS Global is proud to serve as a fiscal sponsor for The Fight to Fight, a powerful documentary spotlighting the first women to integrate U.S. Army combat units in 2016.

Through intimate video diaries, the film captures their courage, resilience, and the obstacles they faced as they shattered barriers and challenged long-standing resistance.

This is the untold story of the women who broke the brass ceiling.

Join WIIS in bringing The Fight to Fight to key audiences and venues — where its message of courage, justice, and change can inspire lasting impact.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

OPPORTUNITY (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS-ONLY)

Inclusive AI Lab Training Bundle | WIIS Global

WIIS members are invited to use a 50% off discount on the "Inclusive AI Foundations Bundle". This training comprises two courses (totaling 7 hours) featuring AI literacy training for non-coders, while highlighting gender and social inclusion throughout. Award-winning educator Dr. Emily Springer leads the training.

If you don’t know how to code — but want to understand AI and its implications for women — this training is for you!

WIIS Global members can access the discount code in their Member Portal under “Member Resources” —> “Discounts and Offers.”

For any questions, please contact the WIIS Global team at [[email protected]].

Learn More & Apply [[link removed]]

OPPORTUNITY (WIIS ITALY MEMBERS-ONLY)

Mentoring Program | WIIS Italy

Apply By: May 4, 2025

Details: WIIS Italy has opened applications for its 5th consecutive mentoring program, which will run from May 2025 to December 2025. The mentoring program aims to aid the professional development of women working in international relations, security, and defense.

Register by May 2nd [[link removed]]

EVENT (WIIS BRUSSELS MEMBERS-ONLY)

Strengthening the Representation of Women in Diplomacy: Challenges and Policy Solutions | WIIS Brussels

Date: May 5, 2025

Details: Join WIIS Brussels and LSE IDEAS on May 5th at Carnegie Europe for a report discussion & Q&A on "Strengthening the Representation of Women in Diplomacy: Challenges and Policy Solutions."

Learn More & Apply [[link removed]]

OPPORTUNITY

Call for Blog Entries | WIIS Italy

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Details: To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which launched the WPS agenda, WIIS Italy is calling for blog submissions. Do you have something to say about Women, Peace and Security? Do you want to contribute to this important conversation and see your work published by WIIS Italy? Do you have an innovative idea to share? Send us your pitch! Blog submissions can be in Italian or English.

Register [[link removed]]

EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS-ONLY)

WIISUp Wednesday | WIIS Global

Date: May 28, 2025 @ 12 PM ET

Details: Join WIIS Global for a members-only virtual networking hour. The WIIS Global team will lead a discussion, and participants will interact with and meet fellow members.

Register [[link removed]]

EVENT (WIIS BRUSSELS MEMBERS-ONLY)

Book Club | WIIS Brussels

Date: May 28, 2025, 18:30 – 19:30 (CET)

Location: TBC upon registration

Details: WIIS Brussels is excited to invite you to its next book club session, where they will discuss The Awakened Woman by Tererai Trent. In The Awakened Woman, Trent shares her powerful journey from rural Zimbabwe to global advocacy, offering wisdom on resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of dreams.

Announcements & Publications WIIS Global Map [[link removed]]

ANNOUNCEMENT

New WIIS Global Affiliate | WIIS Denmark

WIIS Global is happy to announce the establishment of a new international affiliate, WIIS Denmark.

WIIS Denmark is headed by Liv Nielsen and Melanie Sofie Hartvigsen.

WIIS Global Map [[link removed]]

ANNOUNCEMENT

New WIIS Global Affiliate | WIIS Nigeria

WIIS Global is happy to announce the establishment of a new international affiliate, WIIS Nigeria.

WIIS Nigeria is headed by Safiya Ibn Garba [[link removed]].

WIIS Global Map [[link removed]]

ANNOUNCEMENT

New WIIS Global Affiliate | WIIS Rwanda

WIIS Global is happy to announce the establishment of a new international affiliate, WIIS Rwanda.

WIIS Rwanda is headed by Safiya Ibn Garba [[link removed]].

ANNOUNCEMENT

Data Visualization Hackathon | WIIS Global Member, Afua Anaglate

Description: WIIS Global member Afua Anaglate organized the Open Data Bank's Galamsey Data Visualization Hackathon in Ghana. This competition brought together data scientists, analysts, and storytellers to visualize and transform raw data into powerful insights on the environmental impact of illegal mining on local water security. The event was covered by major media house Pulse Ghana, and the event has gathered 15k+ views on their social media.

Congratulations, Afua, for organizing this event, and congratulations to one of the top-placing winners, who we are thrilled to welcome as a new WIIS Global member.

Read the Article [[link removed]]

PUBLICATION

“At the edge of tomorrow: How AI could reshape Africa’s workforce for women” | By WIIS HoA (WIIS Horn of Africa) President, Fauziya Ali

Description: WIIS HoA President Fauziya Ali has published an article with TRTGlobal which argues that, “if Africa’s AI future is to be one of empowerment, inclusion, and peace, it must be written with women not as afterthoughts but as architects of what comes.” Congratulations, Fauziya!

Read the Article [[link removed]]

PUBLICATION

“Cradle of violence: How criminal networks are winning Ecuador’s youth and threatening Latin America’s future” | By WIIS Global Member, Erin McFee

Description: WIIS Global Member and founder of the Corioli Institute [[link removed]], Erin McFee, has published an article in the Atlantic Council, examining how organized crime is increasingly recruiting Ecuadorian youth and posing a significant threat to the region's stability. Congratulations, Erin!

Read the Article [[link removed]]

PUBLICATION

“Without women, Australia’s defence force will struggle to recruit enough people” | WIIS-A (WIIS Australia)

Description: WIIS-A leader, including WIIS-A President, Maria Rost Rublee, Treasurer Danielle Chubb, President of the Steering Committee Bec Strating, and Advisory Board Member Elise Stephenson, have co-authored an article published in The Conversation that focuses on women’s crucial role in defense. Congratulations to the WIIS-A team!

Recent Events

EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS ONLY)

Interview Workshop: Adapting to the Changing Job Market | WIIS Global

Date: April 29, 2025

Summary: WIIS Global held an interview workshop with Meg Wurm, Assistant Director of Career and Graduate Academics Advising at George Washington University’s Elliott School. Meg shared expert tips and strategies to help WIIS Global members stand out in interviews.

These insights were followed by a workshop session, during which members practiced developing their interview responses and skills for various sectors.

Read the Expert Tips: WIIS Global members can access Meg’s presentation in their Member Portal under “Member Resources” → “Professional Development.”

EVENT

Founding Mothers of the Indian Constitution: Lecture-Workshop | WISCOMP (WIIS India)

Date: April 25 & 26, 2025

Summary: WISCOMP hosted a lecture workshop to commemorate the pivotal contributions of the Founding Mothers of the Constituent Assembly in shaping India's constitutional foundations, emphasizing substantive democracy, equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity.

Speakers included Mr. NN Vohra, Justice Gita Mittal, Dr. Meenakshi Gopinath, Professor Achyut Chetan, Ambassador Shyam Saran, and Professor Neera Chandhoke.

EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL)

Advancing Women in Security: Protect, Assess, Prevent | WIIS Global

Date: April 23, 2025

Summary: WIIS Global’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, Dr. Layla Hashemi, spoke on a panel organized by ASIS International [[link removed]], sponsored by Allegion, titled “Advancing Women in Security: Protect, Assess, Prevent.” Addressing the Women in Security (WIS) community, as well as other networking groups in the Washington, D.C. area, Dr. Hashemi spoke about physical security risks and transnational crime.

BECOME A WIIS GLOBAL MEMBER

Interested in becoming a member and joining a growing community of women professionals in the International Security space?

Unlock a world of opportunities with WIIS membership, from connecting with a global network of 15,000 members to advancing your career through exclusive job boards, events, and mentorship opportunities. Gain access to specialized resources, expert speakers, and a supportive community dedicated to enhancing the role of women in international security.

Join Us [[link removed]]

SUPPORT OUR WORK IN 2025

Support our mission to empower women in peace and security by donating today—your contribution funds critical programs, career development opportunities, and research that paves the way for policy change and a more inclusive global security landscape.

Donate [[link removed]]

Do you have feedback or suggestions for us?

Don’t hesitate to email [[email protected]] to suggest topics and/or events you’re interested in so that we can better meet the needs of our community!

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