Updates & Opportunities

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July 2025 Newsletter

Dear WIIS Colleagues & Friends,

I am delighted and honored to assume the position of WIIS President & CEO. This organization plays a vital role in preserving, safeguarding, and strengthening women’s leadership within the international security community. I am immensely grateful to my predecessor, Ariela Blätter, for her dedicated leadership, which has significantly expanded WIIS’ global and national reach through its affiliates, chapters, and members.

To our WIIS Global members, I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here to build a resilient community that supports you in navigating today’s complex challenges. I am deeply committed to ensuring that the next generation of women is prepared to be thought leaders, policy influencers, and practitioners in this rapidly evolving security environment. I am eager to connect with many of you in the coming weeks.

To WIIS affiliates and chapters, the threats to our collective security are increasingly transnational. WIIS is uniquely positioned as an international network to address these issues collaboratively and to bring women’s vital and distinctive perspectives to the table. I hope we can continue to enhance our collaboration and knowledge-sharing across WIIS. Over the next few weeks, I will be reaching out to learn more about your work and explore ways WIIS Global can further support and complement your efforts.

Once again, I am humbled to be part of this outstanding organization, and I look forward to achieving great things together in the years ahead.

Warm regards,

Dr. Lauren Van Metre

President & CEO, Women In International Security (WIIS)

Welcoming New WIIS President & CEO

WIIS is honored to introduce our new President and CEO, Dr. Lauren Van Metre. She brings 20+ years of experience in the peace and security field, driving change in conflict zones, championing democratic resilience, and advancing the intersection of climate, governance, and global security.

Through leading roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the National Democratic Institute, Dr. Van Metre has made a lasting impact in the U.S. and worldwide. Click below to read her full bio.

We look forward to growing from her expertise as WIIS continues to advance women’s leadership in international peace and security.

Our Team [[link removed]]

Meet Our Summer 2025 Interns

This summer, Jocelynn and Kaylyn have joined the WIIS Global team as interns. We are grateful to The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) for this partnership!

Jocelynn is a rising senior at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Kaylyn is a rising junior at Duke University. They are excited to learn and contribute to WIIS.

Find out more about our interns and the rest of our team at the button below.

Our Team [[link removed]]

Announcing WIIS Iceland

New WIIS Global Affiliate | WIIS Iceland

WIIS Global is happy to announce the establishment of our latest international affiliate, WIIS Iceland [[link removed]].

WIIS Iceland launched on June 19, 2025, Women's Rights Day in Iceland, marking 110 years since women over 40 were first granted the right to vote and stand for election in Iceland.

WIIS Iceland is headed by Brynja Huld Óskarsdóttir [[link removed]], and welcomes a board of experienced women from parliament, diplomacy, humanitarian affairs, defense, critical infrastructure, and civil society, including the former Foreign Minister of Iceland, Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir. WIIS Iceland is also supported by Iceland's current Foreign Minister, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir.

WIIS Iceland's launch marks a vital step toward advancing equality in international peace and security, and reflects the strength and diversity of our growing global community.

WIIS Affiliates [[link removed]]

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

EVENT

Sydney Networking Event | WIIS-A (WIIS Australia)

Date: July 10, 2025

Details: WIIS-A will be hosting a casual in-person networking event on the sidelines of the Oceanic Conference on International Studies (OCIS) at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, on July 10 at 5:30 pm. All are welcome, even if you aren't attending OCIS!

RSVP to Attend: [email protected]

Register [[link removed]]

EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS-ONLY)

WIISUp Wednesday | WIIS Global

Date: July 30, 2025

Details: Join WIIS Global for a members-only virtual networking hour. The WIIS Global team will be joined by Safiya Ibn Garba, President of WIIS Nigeria and WIIS Rwanda. Safiya will lead the discussion, sharing her expertise on peacebuilding and her work with the Peacebuilding Practice Project Academy [[link removed]]. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with and meet fellow members.

As a special benefit, WIIS members can access courses through the Peacebuilding Practice Project Academy at a discounted rate via their member portal, located under the "Member Resources" tab.

Learn More & Submit [[link removed]]

OPPORTUNITY (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS-ONLY)

#WIISVoices | Call For Member Submissions

Deadline: June 31, 2025

Details: The goal of WIIS’ "1325@25" [[link removed]] Initiative is to advance the future of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda on the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in October 2025.

As part of this initiative, we welcome members to submit quotes (max 50 words) or video submissions that share what this milestone means to you.

Contact [[email protected]] with any questions.

Media & Publications Watch the Video [[link removed]] Access the DAT [[link removed]]

MEDIA

Using the Data Assessment Tool | WIIS Global

Description: WIIS Global developed and launched the Data Assessment Tool (DAT) as an interactive dashboard to visualize, use, and download the data collected during the "Enhancing Security" research project.

This month, WIIS launched a video tutorial designed to teach you about the research design and policy impact, as well as how to use the DAT.

Read Here [[link removed]]

PUBLICATION

“Rethinking Women, Peace, and Security in the Middle East and North Africa” | By WIIS Global Member Maryam Rezaeizadeh

Description: Check out WIIS Global’s new article by WIIS Member Maryam Rezaeizadeh titled, "Rethinking Women, Peace, and Security in the Middle East and North Africa."

In this article, Maryam examines the WPS agenda in the MENA region and proposes strategies to empower women as "active agents of peace."

Read the article linked below and explore the WIIS Global resource library. Interested in writing for WIIS? All WIIS members can submit their own publications via the membership portal.

Read Here [[link removed]]

PUBLICATION

Latest installation of the "Framers of 1325" Series | WIIS Global

Description: As part of the " 1325@25 [[link removed]]" Initiative, WIIS Global is proud to share the latest installment of the "Framers of 1325" Series. Today, we highlight the essay of Croatian diplomat Jelena Grčić Polić.

WIIS Global's “Framers of 1325” series compiles essays from the individuals recognized as the “initiators, drafters, and strategists” of UNSCR 1325, highlighting their vision and recommendations for the future of the WPS.

PUBLICATION

WISCOMP June Publications | WISCOMP (WIIS India)

Description: WISCOMP published four articles in June. “Being Re-Armed: Women and the Security Sector" discusses women in the Indian combat forces; “The Mediative Approach to Manipur" analyzes the ongoing crisis in India’s Northeast and explores possible pathways for reconciliation and hope; “Mediation and Doing Things Differently” foregrounds best practices learned during peace processes in Mozambique and Kenya; and “Beyond 1325: Women and Mediation" looks at possibilities and challenges for women's leadership in peace mediation within the rubric of 1325 focusing on the India-Pakistan conundrum.

Inquire about WISCOMP publications here [[link removed]].

PUBLICATION OPPORTUNITY

Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security & Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) RFP

Description: WCAPS has put out a request for proposals for a “Special Journal Issue on the 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.” This special issue seeks to capture the evolving landscape of the WPS agenda, highlight regional and thematic developments, and contribute to scholarly and policy dialogues that can shape its future.

Eligibility: WCAPS encourages submissions from scholars, activists, policy practitioners, and graduate students from all regions, particularly young leaders of color, those from indigenous backgrounds, and individuals from conflict-affected and Global South contexts.

Proposal Deadline: August 30, 2025

For more information and questions regarding the RFP, please contact:

Andreanna F Mond at [[email protected]].

Recent Events

Member Portal [[link removed]]

EVENT

June WIISUp Wednesday | WIIS Global x Inclusive AI Lab

Date: June 30, 2025

Summary: In June, WIIS Global was excited to invite Dr. Emily Springer, founder of Inclusive AI Lab and recognized as one of the Top 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics, and a member of UNESCO’s Women for Ethical AI.

Dr. Springer introduced her work and gave a preview of two training courses—designed to make AI approachable from both conceptual and practical angles—with a strong focus on gender and social inclusion. As a special benefit, WIIS members can access these courses at 50% off through their member portal under the "Member Resources" tab.

EVENT

First Meeting with Mentors | WIIS Italy Mentorship Program

Date: June 16, 2025

Summary: WIIS Italy launched the fifth edition of its mentorship program with this first meeting of mentors and mentees. WIIS Italy President Loredana Teodorescu opened the session, allowing participants to get to know one another and learn more about WIIS Italy’s work and community.

WIIS Global wishes WIIS Italy a fruitful 5th edition of their mentorship program!

EVENT

Academy of Young Diplomats – Global Talks | WIIS Poland

Date: June 13, 2025

Summary: As part of the final session of the Academy of Young Diplomats 2024/2025, WIIS Poland hosted a Global Talks session featuring a conversation with Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Undersecretary of State in the European Union Affairs Division, moderated by Prof. Katarzyna Pisarska. The theme of the conversation was “Leadership, Resilience, and Reflections on Poland’s EU Council Presidency.”

EVENT

Participation at CyberSec Expo & Forum 2025 | WIIS Poland

Date: June 11-12, 2025

Summary: Participants of WIIS Poland’s mentorship program took part in the CyberSec Expo & Forum, one of the most influential cybersecurity events in Central and Eastern Europe.

Held in Kraków, the forum brought together global experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the most pressing challenges in the digital space. WIIS Poland mentees had the opportunity to engage in high-level debates, explore cutting-edge policy developments, and connect with leaders in the field.

Watch the Book Talk [[link removed]]

EVENT

WIIS Book Talk: Leadership in War and Peace: Masculine and Feminine with Author & WIIS Senior Fellow Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese | WIIS Global

Date: June 10, 2025 (Pre-recorded)

Summary: WIIS Global Research Director Dr. Karin Johnston spoke with WIIS senior fellow and author Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese about Joan’s new book, Leadership in War and Peace: Masculine and Feminine. They discussed the importance of the book’s message on effective and balanced leadership in today’s political environment, and its timely relevance to the WPS agenda.

WIIS members can access an exclusive 20% discount on Joan’s new book. The code can be found in their member portal under the "Member Resources" tab.

Watch the Recording [[link removed]]

EVENT

WIIS Nigeria & Rwanda Information Session | WIIS Nigeria & WIIS Rwanda

Date: June 6, 2025

Summary: WIIS Nigeria and WIIS Rwanda hosted an informational session to discuss the benefits of membership and how to become a member. WIIS Global Director of Programs and Partnership, Dr. Layla Hashemi, also attended the meeting to share more about WIIS’ work and mission.

EVENT

Brussels Conference on WPS | WIIS Poland

Summary: As part of Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Kornela Oblińska, PhD, Program Director of WIIS Poland, and Monika Wysocka, PhD, mentor in the current edition of the Young Female Leaders in Security mentoring program, had the honor of participating in a high-level international conference in Brussels, co-hosted with the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event marked the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and brought together experts from around the world to discuss the future of the WPS agenda, emerging challenges, and international cooperation to advance shared security.

Poland’s Minister for Equality, Katarzyna Kotula, delivered a compelling address, highlighting the country’s ongoing work on its first National Action Plan (NAP) for the implementation of the WPS agenda.

We are proud that WIIS Poland was represented by Kornela Oblińska, PhD, and Monika Wysocka, PhD, in this important international dialogue on gender, peace, and security.

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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Women In International Security 1250 Connecticut Ave NW Ste 700 PMB 5282 Washington, DC 20036-2657 USA

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