Updates & Opportunities
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June 2025 Newsletter
Dear WIIS Colleagues & Friends,
After four extraordinary years, I will be stepping down as President & CEO of Women In International Security (WIIS) on July 1, 2025. As I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with deep gratitude, immense pride, and unwavering belief in the WIIS mission.
Since 2021, we have quadrupled both our staff and our budget, expanding our capacity, deepening our global footprint, and modernizing our infrastructure. These investments were intentional to ensure that WIIS can meet this moment with resilience, courage, and clarity.
I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together:
- Expanded WIIS’ global network, launching new affiliates in Mexico, Latvia, Albania, Denmark, Nigeria, and Kenya, and increasing individual membership by 50%.
- Trained and empowered future leaders through the Next Generation Scholars Program and the WIIS Leadership Accelerator.
- Produced high-impact research and tools, including the WIIS Data Assessment Tool and the Enhancing Security series to support gender integration in security forces, and our contribution to the #SHEcurity Index, showcased at the Paris Peace Forum.
- Shaped global security dialogues, leading civil society consultations on NATO’s new WPS policy and participating in the Munich, Berlin, Warsaw, Rīga, and Vilnius Security Conferences.
- Held the line against growing resistance to gender justice and inclusion, proving that inclusive leadership is essential to sustainable peace and security.
Today, WIIS stands stronger, more agile, and more globally connected than ever before—unapologetically committed to advancing inclusive leadership and gender equality in international peace and security.
For my full statement, please click here.
While I may be stepping down from this role, I will never stop advocating for intersectional, inclusive approaches to peace and security. This is not goodbye—it’s a joyful transition. And I will always be part of this movement.
Onward, with deep gratitude and pride,
Ariela Blätter
President & CEO, Women In International Security (WIIS)
WIIS Affiliate Visit
WIIS Global was thrilled to welcome WIIS Switzerland President Julia Hofstetter to its office in Washington, DC.
Ariela and Julia had a fruitful conversation about the important work of WIIS Switzerland and the ways WIIS Global will continue to support its partners abroad.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
OPPORTUNITY
25% Off WIIS Global Membership for the Class of 2025 | WIIS Global
WIIS Global is excited to offer the Class of 2025 a limited-time 25% discount off their first year of membership!
Kick-start your career with WIIS—the premier organization dedicated to advancing women in international peace and security.
As a member, you'll gain exclusive access to valuable benefits, including:
- A curated jobs board
- Publication opportunities
- Members-only directory and networking events
- A global network of over 15,000 professionals in the field
Join us today and take the first step toward a future in international peace and security.
EVENT (WIIS CANADA MEMBERS-ONLY)
Speed Mentoring and Networking Event | WIIS Canada
Date: June 11 at 4-5 PM EDT
Details: WIIS Canada is excited to host a virtual Speed Mentorship & Networking Event.
This members-only event is a great chance to connect across sectors. Whether you’re looking to be mentored or to mentor, WIIS Canada would love for you to join-- all backgrounds and experience levels are welcome!
Not a WIIS Canada member yet? It’s not too late to join.
EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS-ONLY)
WIISUp Wednesday | WIIS Global
Date: June 25, 2025
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.
Publications
PUBLICATION
“Busting Myths About Women, Peace & Security” | By WIIS Global Senior Fellow, Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese
Description: In this article, Dr. Johnson-Freese addresses misconceptions surrounding the WPS agenda and critiques recent decisions to dismantle related programs within the U.S. Department of Defense.
PUBLICATION
WIIS-A Research Bibliography | WIIS-A (WIIS Australia)
Description: WIIS-A has published a bibliography on
gender & diversity in international relations. This bibliography is the product of multiple researchers bringing together related research and analysis on the status of women in Australian International Relations and Politics, both in policy and academia.
If you would like to learn more about the status of women and diverse groups in Australian Relations and Politics, take a look at WIIS-A’s new research bibliography.
PUBLICATION
“Latina and Lethal, How My Culture Makes Me a Stronger Warfighter" | By WIIS Defense Fellow, Dr. Tahina Montoya
Description: In the latest issue of LATINA Style, Dr. Montoya reflects on what it means to be a Latina serving today’s military. Dr. Montoya writes, “My culture has made me sharper, more adaptable, and more effective in every fight.”
Recent Events
EVENT
The Participation of Women in Peace Processes and the Eradication of Violence | SWIIS (WIIS Spain)
Date: May 29, 2025
Summary: SWIIS held a session on the participation of women in peace processes and the eradication of violence at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in recognition of International Women's Day for Peace and Disarmament. Remarks were made by lawyer and politician Francisca Sauquillo Pérez del Arco and SWIIS President Marian Caracuel Raya.
EVENT
WIIS Brussels Book Club | WIIS Brussels
Date: May 28, 2025
Summary: WIIS Brussels hosted a book club discussion on "The Awakened Woman" by Tererai Trent, a powerful read on resilience, purpose, and the strength of women’s voices.
EVENT
Consultation on Women & Security | WIIS Brussels
Date: May 21, 2025
Summary: WIIS Brussels hosted an exclusive online Consultation on Women & Security, featuring distinguished women leaders from the US, who shared their lived experiences and strategic insights on inclusive approaches to security.
Speakers included Rachael Dean Wilson, Director of Communications, Anduril Industries; Dr. Susan R. Madsen, Founding Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project; and Dr. Christina Bache, Advisor on gender and conflict-sensitivity, GIZ.
EVENT
Securi-tea Networking Event | WIIS Global
Date: May 21, 2025
Summary: To celebrate the UN’s International Tea Day, WIIS Global hosted an in-person networking event for professionals and students in the security field.
For those of you in
the DC area, stay tuned for the next in-person WIIS Global networking event.
EVENT
Three-day Capacity-Building on WPS | Women for Security (WIIS Latvia)
Date: May 19-21, 2025
Summary: Women for Security co-organized a training for diplomats on WPS capacity building in Riga. Twenty diplomats from Australia, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Estonia, Bangladesh, Finland, Italy, Mongolia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Germany, Croatia, Belgium, and Switzerland were selected to participate. The training focused on updating the WPS agenda and promoting international cooperation on women's security and peace issues.
EVENT
Diplomacy Today: Youth, Democracy, and Foreign Policy in a Changing World | WIIS Poland
Date: May 16, 2025
Summary: WIIS Poland hosted a panel discussion with the Ambassadors of the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Rwanda as part of the 7th session of the Academy of Young Diplomats. This “Global Talks” session offered a unique window into real-world diplomatic challenges and current global debates.
EVENT
Young Female Leaders in Security Mentoring Program | WIIS Poland
Date: May 10, 2025
Summary: WIIS Poland hosted an in-person session of their mentoring program focused on "Building the Personal Brand of the Leader."
EVENT
10th Annual Hemispheric Security Conference | WIIS Global
Date: May 13, 2025
Summary: WIIS Global Research Director Dr. Karin Johnston and WIIS Fellows Duilia Mora Turner and Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, alongside Dr. Gabriela Hoberman, spoke at the 10th annual Hemispheric Security Conference at Florida International University (FIU) on WPS.
Their insights on the whole-of-society approach to security and conflict showed the real-world impact of the WPS agenda.
WIIS Global is grateful to the FIU Jack D. Gordon Institute, Fundación Taeda, and FIU Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center for spotlighting this essential work.
EVENT
Bologna Peace Forum | WIIS Italy
Date: May 9, 2025
Summary: WIIS Italy Blog Coordinator and associate fellow at Istituto Affari Internazionali, Azzurra Meringolo, participated in the Bologna Peace Forum, engaging in a discussion on foresight and early warning systems as a tool for war prevention.
EVENT
WIIS.de Visit to the Editorial Office of Table.Media | WIIS.de (WIIS Germany)
Date: May 6, 2025
Summary: On the day of the German chancellor’s election, WIIS Germany visited the editorial office of Table.Media. WIIS.de representatives had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look and learn more about the work of the journalists on site.
EVENT
A Visit to the U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf | WIIS.de
Date: May 5, 2025
Summary: A group of WIIS.de experts had the pleasure of meeting with U.S. Consul General Preeti V. Shah at the U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf for a deeply engaging discussion on diplomacy, global security, and inclusive leadership.
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.
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.
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!
