Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security examines and highlights the roles and experiences of women in peace and security worldwide through cutting edge research, timely global convenings, and strategic partnerships. The Institute is led by Melanne Verveer, who previously served as the inaugural U.S. Ambassador for Global Women's Issues. The Institute is also home to the International Council on Women’s Business Leadership, which is a part of the Women & Economy Project launched in October 2014. Located in Washington, D.C., the Institute leverages Georgetown University's global reach to connect academia and practice, pioneer evidence-based and policy-oriented analysis, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The Latest from GIWPS

OP-ED: How to Achieve the UN Development Agenda: Focus on Women & Girls
September 26, 2016
BLOG: The Underfunded Partner: Women's Civil Society Organizations
September 14, 2016
REPORT: Transforming Justice in Guatemala: Strategies and Challenges Investigating Violent Deaths 2011-2014
August 30, 2016
BLOG: Women, CVE, and the Problem of Empirical Data: How Can We Better Measure Women’s Roles in Countering Violent Extremism?
August 17, 2016
REPORT: Occasional Paper Series: Women and Transitional Justice
July 14, 2016
OP-ED: Education for adolescent girls in conflict: What's working?
May 23, 2016
REPORT: Closing the Gap: Adolescent Girls' Access to Education in Conflict-Affected Settings
May 17, 2016
APPLY TODAY: Communications Manager, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security
May 3, 2016
The Communications Manager leads the development and production of GIWPS publications and communications for various GIWPS functional areas, and manages GIWPS social media accounts, press releases, and event-related communications.
VIDEO: "Securing Peace in Iraq and Syria" feat. H.E. Børge Brende and David Miliband
April 19, 2016
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security hosted a discussion on "Securing Peace in Iraq and Syria: Strategies for Stability," featuring remarks by H.E. Børge Brende, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, and Amb. Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. Staffan de Mistura, United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, gave video remarks.
"Jordan's Queen Rania Says More Support Needed for Syrian Refugees"
April 18, 2016
Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan called for greater awareness and support for the plight of the millions of refugees fleeing Syria during a visit and documentary film screening at Georgetown on April 14.
Alissa Rubin, 2016 Pulitzer Winner, Reports From the Front Lines
April 18, 2016
Alissa Rubin, recipient of the Institute's 2016 Global Trailblazer Award, was recently awarded a Pulitzer Prize for her work reporting on the rights of Afghan women.
BLOG: Improving Post-Conflict Development Outcomes: Empowering Adolescent Girls
April 14, 2016
VIDEO: Margot Wallström, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Georgetown University
April 4, 2016
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the Embassy of Sweden hosted a conversation with H.E. Margot Wallström, Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, on "Sustainable Peace: The Link between Security and Development and the Role of Women in Peace Negotiations."
BLOG: Feminist Foreign Policy: A Focus on Rights, Representation and Resources
April 1, 2016
BLOG: The Report of the Philippine Transitional Justice & Reconciliation Commission: Amplifying the Voices of Women
March 30, 2016
BLOG: Rape as an Instrument of Terror and Weapon of War in South Sudan: Addressing the Impunity Gap
March 21, 2016
OP-ED: Sexual violence is a tool of war, but we have the weapons to end that
March 2, 2016
"If we are to counter extremism, particularly the use of sexual violence, we cannot afford to separate the acts of violence in conflict from larger systems that objectify and subjugate women during conflict and peace."
BANK OF AMERICA FELLOWSHIP ON WOMEN AND THE ECONOMY - APPLY NOW!
February 25, 2016
EVENT: U.N. OFFICIAL, JOURNALIST RECEIVE AWARDS FOR WORK TO EXPOSE VIOLENT EXTREMISM
February 22, 2016
The 2016 Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security was awarded to Zainab Hawa Bangura, the U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. She spoke about human security in the face of violent extremism. The talk included a discussion with Alissa Rubin, Paris bureau chief of The New York Times, and was moderated by Melanne Verveer, GIWPS executive director. Actress and activist Ashley Judd provided closing remarks.
Georgetown Announces Partnership with United Nations HeForShe Campaign
February 23, 2016
Georgetown announced a partnership with the United Nations HeForShe campaign, an international movement that encourages men and boys to advocate for gender equality. The leader of the HeForShe initiative, executive director of U.N. Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, lauded Georgetown’s role as an “impact champion” for gender equality at a launch event attended by President John J. DeGioia, senior university administrators, as well as faculty and students.
BLOG: The Role of Women in Creating Climate-Resilient Communities: Focus on the Philippines
February 19, 2016
For the indigenous populations of the Philippines, engaging women is crucial to building resilient practices to adapt to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
BLOG: Toward Justice for Women in Côte D’Ivoire
February 16, 2016
Attempts to promote justice post-conflict in Côte d’Ivoire have taken many forms.
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and Accenture Release Report
February 3, 2016
Titled “Private Sector Analysis of Nigeria: Empowering Women and Girls Through Partnerships”
REPORT: Private Sector Landscape Analysis of Nigeria: Empowering Women and Girls through Partnerships
February 3, 2016
REPORT: Occasional Paper Series - Women's Economic Participation in Conflict-Affected and Fragile Settings
February 1, 2016
REPORT: Learning to Work with Both Hands: A Close Examination of Women's Political and Economic Participation in Post-Conflict Kosovo
January 26, 2016
BLOG: Delay of Peace Talks Could Provide Opening for Syrian Women
January 25, 2016
BLOG: Changing the Conversation: Sexual Violence as a Humanitarian & Counterterrorism Priority
December 22, 2015
Addressing sexual violence is not only a question of protection; recognizing the ways in which it supports and sustains ISIS reinforces why combatting sexual violence should be a central part of effective counterterrorism response.
REPORT: Protection for Whom? Violations of International Law in Myanmar's New 'Race and Religion Protection' Laws
December 15, 2015
BLOG: Remittances: A Tool for Women's Economic Empowerment
December 7, 2015
OP-ED: Women are victims of climate change - and the keys to climate action
December 1, 2015
As the nations of the world meet in Paris to address climate change, it is critical that women play a central role in these historic negotiations. Gender equality is central to effective climate action. The world cannot afford to neglect the needs of half the world’s population, nor ignore their talents and potential in innovating solutions.
BLOG: "A Fresh Start" for Northern Ireland? The Importance of Inclusive Politics
November 20, 2015
BLOG: UNSCR 2242 & the Role of Women in Countering Violent Extremism
November 16, 2015
BLOG: Brazil's Growing Involvement in the Women, Peace & Security Agenda
December 16, 2015
BLOG: An Interview with Dr. Renata Giannini
November 12, 2015
Information2Action: The November 2015 Myanmar Elections
October 29, 2015
On November 8, 2015, Myanmar will hold its first general elections since the country transitioned from a military junta to a quasi-civilian government in 2011...The country’s political fate rests on this election and its results, but continuing gender and ethnic discrimination and marginalization jeopardize a possible future as a fair and functioning democracy.
BLOG: 15 Years On, A New Opportunity: UNSCR 2242
October 28, 2015
REPORT: Women and Climate Change: Impact and Agency in Human Rights, Security, and Economic Development
October 16, 2015
By Mayesha Alam, Rukmani Bhatia, and Briana Mawby
Women and Climate Change Symposium, Report Calls for Inclusion
October 16, 2015
REPORT: The United Arab Emirates Panel Series on Women, Peace and Security
October 15, 2015
This book is based on a series of breakthrough policy dialogues initiated by the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN and GIWPS that were held between October 2014 and May 2015. The Institute and the Mission brought together key stakeholders from a variety of different disciplines and sectors to focus on some of the most critical peace and security issues of our time.
BLOG: Achieving the SDGs Requires the Full Inclusion of Women
October 8, 2015
Women and women’s rights are not a subset of development; half of the population of the world is critical to achieving every goal and every target. Without women, progress on these goals simply cannot happen.
President of Kosovo, Panelists Explore Impact of Women in Peace Processes
October 2, 2015
REPORT: Women Leading Peace: A close examination of women's political participation in peace processes in Northern Ireland, Guatemala, Kenya, and the Philippines
September 30, 2015
OP-ED: Where Women Are Leading the Peace
September 30, 2015
A new study shows where — and how — women are at the vanguard of ending conflict. And why their voices make armistices stronger.
BLOG: Men and Boys Are Part of the Solution
September 21, 2015
Men and boys must embrace the inherent equality that feminism promotes, one that views female progress as essential to human progress.
Makers Celebrates 20 Women of the 1995 UN Conference on Women
September 21, 2015
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1995 UN Conference on Women in Beijing, we're featuring 20 incredible women on MAKERS who participated in the largest ever international gathering of women.
Bank of America Empowers Women, Social Enterprises with $1M Gift
September 16, 2015
"Women's Rights Are Human Rights" - A Google Cultural Institute Exhibit
September 4, 2015
On September 5, 1995, then-First Lady Hillary Clinton proclaimed that "women's rights are human rights." As we mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and this historic moment in the fight for women's rights, we have created an exhibit for the Google Cultural Institute with artifacts from the conference.
BLOG: Saudi Women: The Link Between Women's Rights and Economic Progress
September 3, 2015
In the kingdom, women and girls have limited rights that inhibit their engagement in the public sphere, but their participation is essential to Saudi Arabia’s long-term national security, economic security and stability.
BLOG: Women's Insecurity & Resilience in Mexico
August 21, 2015
"The security of women in Mexico has been severely compromised for nearly two decades, and this insecurity is accompanied by a disappointing level of apathy for human suffering. Mexican women’s rights activists and human rights defenders are now saying “no”...It is time to take a stand, and realize the value of women’s security in an otherwise insecure and corrupt state."
Profiles in Peace: Samar Minallah Khan
August 20, 2015
Samar Minallah Khan, a Pakistani anthropologist and documentary filmmaker, uses her work to raise awareness about culturally sanctioned forms of violence against women.
Profiles in Peace: Amira Yahyaoui
August 17, 2015
Amira Yahyaoui has worked tirelessly to promote human rights in Tunisia. After the Tunisian revolution, Yahyaoui returned to her homeland and has continued to promote government transparency and accountability. She founded Al Bawsala, an award-winning NGO that monitors the Tunisian legislative process and advocates for individual freedoms.
An Interview with Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe
August 14, 2015
Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe works to rehabilitate girls who have previously been held by the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. Mayesha Alam, Associate Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security, sat down with her to discuss the violence committed against the girls and how she works to restore their lives and livelihoods through education and skill-building.
Information2Action: Gender-Sensitive and Transformative Reparations in Bosnia
August 14, 2015
BLOG: Africa's Complicated Geography of Justice: International Courts Must Address the Needs of Women
August 10, 2015
"Women have been victims of sexual violence, torture, murder and ethnic cleansing in these cases across the continent, and they deserve justice that is efficient, effective and fair. However, women are also powerful actors for reconstruction and reconciliation."
Profiles in Peace: Alaa Murabit
July 28, 2015
Alaa Murabit is the founder and president of The Voice of Libyan Women (VLW), a nonprofit organization working to promote women’s political participation in Libya through a combination of grassroots organizing and policy advocacy.
BLOG: Women & Girls Must Be Central to Buhari's Reform Agenda
July 27, 2015
Nigeria is a leader of African politics, economic progress and culture; after its landmark peaceful transfer of power, Nigeria must take this opportunity to truly reform and become a leader with respect for human and women’s rights.
BLOG: Reparations: More than Monetary Compensation
July 14, 2015
For the first time in the history of the Bosnian War Crimes Court, judges have included compensation to a wartime rape victim as part of the Court’s ruling.
BLOG: Rethinking Gender Roles for Women's Economic Participation
July 13, 2015
Having witnessed so much progress, what more must be done to ensure that women are working more, earning more and leading in the workplace? The answer seems to lie with men.
BLOG: A Spotlight on Working Families in the U.S.
July 1, 2015
Paid family leave, paid sick leave, flexible hours and telework do not just benefit workers and their families; these policies are also good for companies and for the economy.
Georgetown University Commits to Gender Equality
June 18, 2015
Major universities like Georgetown and Oxford have all pledged to take concrete steps towards gender equality as part of the final installment of UNWomen’s IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative. The initiative is part of the HeForShe movement unveiled by Emma Watson at the UN last fall.
Announcing New Partnership to Advance Girls Education Around the Globe
June 16, 2015
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security has joined a multilateral effort led by First Lady Michelle Obama to increase access to education for girls worldwide.
REPORT: A New Frontier: Human Trafficking and ISIS's Recruitment of Western Women
June 16, 2015
...if women from the West joining ISIS are victims of human trafficking, this impacts how the international community should design its counter-terrorism policies and research agenda.
On the Red Couch with Ambassador Melanne Verveer
June 11, 2015
"This is what inspires me...Sometimes more often than not [women] are pushed back, and yet they don’t give up. They keep struggling because in the struggles are going to come the better times. For some of them it may not happen in their lifetimes, but it will make a difference hopefully for their children and for others in their society."
BLOG: Emerging Humanitarian Frontiers

“The good news: we are doing more for more people than ever before. The bad news: the international humanitarian system is under unprecedented strain.”
A Parting Interview with Dr. Robert Egnell
May 28, 2015
"An important role of the institute is to build a bridge between theory and practice – and I have been very honored to play in role in that endeavor through meeting with policy makers and practitioners, and by facilitating dialogue through regular symposiums and workshops that bring of all these people together."
BLOG: An Interview with Obiageli Ezekwesili
May 29, 2015
“What the world unwittingly has done by not rescuing our Chibok girls for over a year now is that it has said to every girl child in very troubled environments: ‘You have to make a choice to either be educated or lose your life.’ How can that possibly be a choice?”
BLOG: Studying All-Female Peacekeeping Units to Draw Conclusions on Gender Mainstreaming
May 20, 2015
Despite the passage of Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000, which mandates women’s equal participation, the protection of women’s rights, and the prevention of gender-based violence in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction, progress has been slow during the last 15 years.
BLOG: From Unbanked to Banked: Is Technology the Solution?
May 11, 2015
Access to a bank account is a key indicator of poverty reduction, and plays a vital role in increasing education and helping the poorest communities manage risk and absorb financial shock. There are still 1.1 billion unbanked women across the world.
BLOG: The Impact of Conflict on Women's Access to Education: Spotlight on Burundi
May 12, 2015
In war-torn countries around the world, thousands of women like Betty and Joyce are denied an education due to protracted conflict, dislocation, and the prevalence of norms or ideologies that discourage education for women.
OP-ED: Ignore at your own peril: Women are the future of the economy.
May 8, 2015
In short: Female empowerment is critical to the global economy. But this is not a plea for more robust diversity policies in hiring and promotion. Rather, it’s a warning call. As the global economy evolves, companies that continue to ignore what women bring to the workplace do so at their own peril.
Oral Histories Project Captures Firsthand Accounts of Pressing Issues in Peace and Security
May 1, 2015
“The idea behind the project is that, so often, if you look at the way in which history is recorded, the stories of women and their contributions are left out. This especially true in the fields of peace and security."
Clinton Presents Awards To Advance Women in Peace and Security
April 22, 2015
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was at Georgetown today to present the second of an annual award to individuals devoted to the cause of women, peace and security in the world.
Women in the World and Georgetown University team up for research on girls and war
April 17, 2015
Women in the World Media, LLC, and Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace & Security announced today that they have joined forces to produce a research paper on the use of GIRLS AS A WEAPON OF WAR.
Special Report: The 2015 Nigeria Elections & Violence Against Women in Politics
April 17, 2015
This special report, which commemorates the April 2014 kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in Chibok by Boko Haram, focuses on women, politics and violence. The girls’ kidnapping, and the continued threat posed by Boko Haram to internal security and regional stability played a significant role in the March 2015 Nigerian elections.
Amb. Verveer to Receive Pro Mujer Global Voice Award
April 9, 2015
OP-ED: Equality for Afghan women remains a critical goal for President Ghani
April 1, 2015
As anticipation rises for the prospect of negotiations with the Taliban, a fundamental question remains: what about Afghan women and girls?
BLOG: "Women Are Key to Change" - A Discussion with Baroness Mary Goudie
April 1, 2015
Baroness Goudie hosted her 5th Annual Blog Breakfast. More than 50 women leaders who work on the advancement of women and girls gathered to discuss the theme “Global Uncertainty: Women are Key to Change.”
REPORT: A Transformative Approach to Transitional Justice: Building a Sustainable Peace for All
March 31, 2015
By the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.
Profiles in Peace: Burcu Becermen
March 30, 2015
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security's goal in undertaking Profiles in Peace: Oral Histories Project is to collect unique, first-hand interviews from women and men who are leaders in optimizing the agency of women, peace, security and post-conflict reconstruction.
PBS Newshour: How one Afghan woman rose from dressmaker to policy insider
March 26, 2015
Special correspondent Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, author of "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana," sits down with Kamila Sidiqi, now deputy chief of staff to Afghanistan’s president.
PBS' To The Contrary: Afghani Women Leaders
March 27, 2015
Afghani Women Leaders: Women forming part of Afghani president Ashraf Ghani's delegation say support from the US is vital.
REPORT: Women on the Frontlines of Water Insecurity
March 25, 2015
According to a new report released by UNESCO on March 22 to mark International Water Day, the world will face a 40 percent shortage in our water supply by 2030. This is an alarming problem that disproportionately affects women and girls.
BLOG: UN Commission on the Status of Women 59: An Overview
March 24, 2015
We must build on the existing momentum to advance women’s rights and well-being across the globe, but we need to do this in a more forward-thinking way. Though it is important that we reflect critically on the progress that has been made and the goals that have not yet been achieved, we have to set a higher standard for women’s rights around the world.
Bank of America Fellowship on Women and the Economy - Apply Now!
March 18, 2015
BLOG: Women of ISIS: Seeking a Gendered Understanding of Extremist Recruitment in the West
March 12, 2015
What lures young Western women to join extremist movements? It is a question that has not yet been given the attention it deserves.
OP-ED: Adolescent Girls in Crisis
March 10, 2015
"I was in the field when they came. They came out of nowhere and they took me away, into the bush. I was just a child. They stole us away. They stole our innocence. They stole our lives from us."
OP-ED: Women's Equality Isn't a Zero Sum Game. It's Vital for Peace and Prosperity
March 8, 2015
Though real gains have been made on women’s rights, there’s still a long way to go before everyone can reap the rewards of gender justice.
BLOG: Protecting and Empowering Women and Girls in Situations of Crisis and Conflict
March 9, 2015
The problem of adolescent girls in crisis and conflict situations is gaining renewed momentum.
BLOG: Women Leading for Peaceful Societies: A Recap of The Carter Center's 2015 Human Rights Defenders Forum
March 5, 2015
More than 60 academics, human rights defenders and religious leaders gathered to discuss pertinent issues such as inclusive leadership, confronting violence against women and girls, and women leading to prevent and resolve violent conflict.
BLOG: Gender Equality in Militaries: How Far We’ve Come and How Far We Have to Go
March 2, 2015
"We still have a long way to go in actually making progress in implementation…and one of the biggest areas where we see gaps are within militaries themselves.”
BLOG: Economic Empowerment, Peace and Security—Women Using Information Communication Technology in Somalia
February 27, 2015
Johorad’s story is just one example of how in certain contexts in Somalia, the growing availability and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is helping augment women’s activity in the economic and public sphere.
BLOG: Symposium Recap - "Women: Powerful Agents for Peace and Security"
February 26, 2015
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security Associate Director Mayesha Alam travelled to Amsterdam, Netherlands to participate in the “Women: Powerful Agents for Peace and Security” symposium.
REPORT: Under Fire: Women Human Rights Defenders in Mesoamerica
February 25, 2015
Panel Discussion on "Transitional Justice as Transformative: Building a Sustainable Peace for All"
February 24, 2015
Panel discussion on “Transitional Justice as Transformative: Building a Sustainable Peace for All”, organized by the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN, GIWPS and UN Women.
BLOG: A Listener and Facilitator: Mrs. Rula Ghani Speaks About Her Role as First Lady of Afghanistan

Mrs. Rula Ghani visited Georgetown University on February 19 for “Remarks by H.E. Mrs. Rula Ghani, First Lady of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan” to speak about progress and opportunities for women in Afghanistan, as well as challenges for the future.
Hillary Rodham Clinton Communications Fellowship - Apply Now!
February 20, 2015
Hillary Rodham Clinton Research Fellowship - Apply Now!
February 20, 2015
First Lady of Afghanistan Rula Ghani Speaks at Georgetown Univeristy
February 20, 2015
“We are at a turning point where we can start rebuilding the country,” Ghani said during a Feb. 19 visit to the university sponsored by the Georgetown Institute for Women in Peace and Security (GIWPS). “In Afghanistan, we have had a history of very strong women, and we need to reclaim that history and talk about it.”
Information2Action Rapid Response: Election-Related Violence Against Women in Nigeria
February 13, 2015
The 2014-2015 election period in Nigeria is creating unrest and concern over increasing rates of election-related violence against women.
BLOG: Economic Opportunity for Women in Rural Afghanistan: A Survivor Story
February 12, 2015
Through working with ARZU, Masuma has been able to reclaim her life, her home, and her sense of self. Here are some the thoughts she shared with us.
Information2Action Rapid Response: South Sudan Signs New Ceasefire Deal
February 5, 2015
South Sudan signs new ceasefire deal, step towards power-sharing agreement
BLOG: Commemorating the Third Anniversary of the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
February 2, 2015
“We are viewing 2015 as the year of women, peace and security,” and “we are pushing to place gender equality and women and girls at the heart of the post-2015 development agenda.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, H.E. Margot Wallström, on "Feminist Foreign Policy"
January 30, 2015
"Women, Peace and Security in the Context of Climate Change"
January 15, 2015
Melanne Verveer to youth: There's no one way to make an impact in global development
January 6, 2015
"Young people are realizing they don’t all have to work for a development agency or get involved with an NGO to engage in global development."
BLOG: Access to Finance in Rural India - A Catalyst for Leadership and Social Change
December 23, 2014
Economic participation does not only help women—it transforms the ability of entire communities to advocate for their own concerns in ways that have long-lasting and widespread impact.
Beijing+20: Looking Back and the Road Ahead
December 19, 2014
Reflections on milestones in women's leadership in the 21st Century. A publication from the Wilson Center, with an essay by Ambassador Melanne Verveer, among others.
OP-ED: Smart Power through Inclusivity in an Increasingly Volatile World
December 15, 2014
Dealing with the complex security challenges facing our world indeed requires incorporating women into peace and security operations for greater effectiveness.
Profiles in Peace: The Honorable Mary Robinson
December 9, 2014
The Honorable Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for the Great Lakes Region of Africa.
BLOG: Human Rights Day: Women, Peace, and Security

How can we ensure that women as well as men are supported to participate equally in the peace and security process?
REPORT: Women and Countering Violent Extremism: Summary Document and Analysis
December 10, 2014
This document was prepared as part of an ongoing partnership between the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations in New York.
BLOG: Japan Reaffirms Its Commitment to Women's Participation in Peacebuilding
December 8, 2014
“The reason why womenomics is taken seriously in Japan is that it makes sense—it increases GDP. Similarly, including women in security efforts makes sense. If countries are educated on the benefits of adopting a NAP and inclusion of women in decision-making and peace and disaster management—that’s the motivation that will encourage them to act.”
Clinton: Including Women Essential to Peace Processes
December 3, 2014
When women participate in peace processes, “often overlooked issues such as human rights, individual justice, national reconciliation, economic renewal are often brought to the forefront,” former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said today at Georgetown.
Hillary Rodham Clinton to Speak on Security, Inclusive Leadership
December 2, 2014
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security and the Institute for Inclusive Security will host remarks on Wednesday by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on "Smart Power: Security Through Inclusive Leadership."
OP-ED: Moving the Needle Forward on Women's Rights in Afghanistan
November 25, 2014
When women progress, all of society makes progress. That is true in Afghanistan and around the world. The message out of Oslo this weekend was that we must continue to enable and empower the women of Afghanistan, who, as Mrs. Ghani noted, have a significant role to play in "returning peace and prosperity to Afghanistan."
"Utilizing Modern Technology in Peacekeeping Operations to Improve Security for Women and Girls"
November 25, 2014
Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the UN, UN Women, and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, this discussion is the second in a series of panels on women, peace and security in support of the Global Study on the Implementation of Security Council resolution 1325.
OP-ED: Driving Growth through Women's Economic Participation
November 19, 2014
Women's economic participation is a game-changer with the potential to transform entire economies and societies. The recently released World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report shows that while progress has been made in closing the gender gap, there is still much work to be done.
BLOG: An Interview with May Sabe Phyu, Women's Activist in Myanmar
November 17, 2014
May Sabe Phyu, or Phyu Phyu as she is affectionately known, is a devoted advocate for women’s empowerment and peacebuilding in Myanmar.
"The Power of Women's Economic Participation"
November 6, 2014
Clinton Speaks at Launch of International Council on Women's Business Leadership
October 31, 2014
The public event for the launch included comments from former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on "The Power of Women's Economic Participation," and a panel discussion moderated by Ambassador Verveer on the same theme.
Report: Living Under Occupation in the Western Sahara: Women, Resistance and Self-Determination
November 1, 2014
Report by Erica Vasquez. The Sahrawi people of the Western Sahara are a historically marginalized population that has been demanding their right to self-determination for decades, but whose pursuit of democratic statehood and human rights has been violently oppressed.
Georgetown-Cambridge Research Exchange
November 5, 2014
Ambassador Verveer in UAE Panel Discussion on "The Role of Women in Countering Violent Extremism"
October 28, 2014
Ambassador Verveer participated in a panel discussion on "The Role of Women in Countering Violent Extremism," which was organized by Ambassador Lan Nusseibeh and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates and UN Women in the ECOSOC Chamber of the UN.
GIWPS Co-Sponsors Panel on Islam, Gender and Democracy
October 23, 2014
On October 23rd, the Institute co-hosted a panel discussion on Islam, Gender and Democracy with Georgetown's Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs. The panel consisted of Ambassador Verveer, Jose Casanova and Jocelyne Cesari.
Baroness Mary Goudie Speaks on Human Trafficking
November 5, 2014
GIWPS Hosts Chief Japan Strategist for Goldman Sachs
November 5, 2014
A Conversation with Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
November 5, 2014
Roundtable Featuring Claudia Paz y Paz on Women Human Rights Defenders
November 5, 2014
An Interview with Claudia Paz y Paz, Former Attorney General of Guatemala
November 5, 2014
Girls' Education Symposium Features Nigerian Finance Minister and USAID Administrator
September 26, 2014
On September 26, the Institute hosted Her Excellency Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Finance Minister of Nigeria and former managing director of the World Bank, for a lecture and discussion on "Advancing Safe Access to Education for Girls in Nigeria and Beyond."
OP-ED: Securing Safe Access to Education for Girls in Nigeria and Beyond
September 25, 2014
In April 2014, the world's attention turned to Nigeria as word spread that the militant group Boko Haram had kidnapped some 257 schoolgirls from Chibok and held them hostage. Boko Haram, which translates to "Western education is forbidden," reportedly sold girls into slavery, and forced them to convert to Islam and marry members of the group.
BLOG: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Securing Education for Girls
September 30, 2014
Nigeria is now the largest economy in Africa, having surpassed South Africa, and has enormous potential for future growth and leadership in Africa. However, without educating its young people, this potential will stagnate.
Ambassador Verveer at the World Assembly for Women
November 5, 2014
Are We Listening to Syria's Women and Girls?
November 5, 2014
OP-ED: Are We Listening to Syria's Women and Girls?
September 25, 2014
Despite legislation meant to help women and girls in conflict zones, much more must be done to ensure rapid action on the ground—especially in Syria.
Roundtable Featuring Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo
November 5, 2014
GIWPS at 2014 United Nations General Assembly
November 5, 2014
REPORT: The 2011 Bahraini Uprising: Women's Agency, Dissent and Violence
September 1, 2014
Report by 2014 GIWPS Research Fellow Samyah Alfoory. This paper takes a gendered analysis of the case of Bahrain's 2011 uprising beyond examining women's role in the uprising. It analyzes not only women in the grassroots, pro-democracy and human rights movement, but also women who occupy an official capacity and who act to further the regime's anti-democratic and violent actions.
REPORT: Inclusive Growth in Zambia: Improving Women's Representation, Access to Services and Economic Opportunity
September 1, 2014
Report by Ann Hudock. Zambia's economic growth in recent years offers opportunity to recast the conditions for Zambia's development. But unless that economic development is inclusive and reaches women, Zambia's development will be uneven.
REPORT: Enhancing Women's Peacebuilding Participation: Household Gender Norms Change in Post-Conflict Burundi
September 1, 2014
Report by Heather Orina. The purpose of this study is to examine how women and men negotiate conflict resolution decision-making in their private lives, a largely overlooked aspect of gender norms processes within Resolution 1325 literature, and to investigate connections between such processes within the private sphere and Resolution 1325 implementation in the public sphere.
REPORT: Interview with Mari Skare: First NATO SRSG for Women, Peace & Security
October 25, 2014
Mari Skare served as NATO's first Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) for Women, Peace and Security.
Land Security for Women and Building Peaceful Societies - A Case Study in Zambia

Roslyn Warren, a research fellow at the Institute, is currently based in Zambia conducting research on land rights.
GIWPS and NUI Galway co-host international conference and launch joint study on Women's Leadership in Peacemaking in the DR Congo
June 27, 2014
The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security co-hosted an international conference with the National University of Ireland in Galway on women's leadership in peacemaking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and The Great Lakes Region of Africa on July 1-2, 2014.