In 2020, the European Union (EU) introduced its first Gender Equality Strategy, and with its first female president, Ursula von der Leyen, gender equality and gender mainstreaming became a top priority for the EU Commission. A flurry of commitments has been presented but a persistent gap exists between institutional statements and the reality on the ground. To achieve equal representation and access to political power, women in the EU have to overcome many roadblocks. Challenges are especially persistent in the field of trade and foreign policy. In her recent policy brief, Dr. Karin Johnston (Senior Fellow, WIIS) concluded that commitment to gender mainstreaming is still often seen as an “add-on” rather than a framework and guide for transformational change.

Join WIIS and the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program on December 8, 2021 at 10:00 AM (EST) for a virtual policy roundtable discussion analyzing the progress and pitfalls in the advancement of gender equality in the EU, including the factors that influence gender representation, and ways to increase women's access to EU civilian and military missions.

This event will feature opening remarks from Wilson Center Fellow and WIIS Board Member Dr. Chantal de Jonge Oudraat, and will be followed by a discussion with expert panelists:

Dr. Karin Johnston (Senior Fellow, WIIS & Adjunct Professor, American University's School of International Studies)

Dr. Michelle Egan (Global Fellow, Wilson Center & Professor, and Jean Monnet Chair ad personam, American University's School of International Service)

Dr. Roberta Guerrina (Professor, University of Bristol's School of Sociology)

This event will be moderated by Ariela Blätter (President & CEO, WIIS).