Our Bridging Theory & Practice symposiums facilitate in-depth conversations between global leaders on pressing issues such as violent extremism, peace operations, and transitional justice. We invite top policymakers, practitioners, and academics from around the world to share expertise and generate policy recommendations on issues related to women, peace and security. Each convening results in a publication or resource that can inform policy and practice, highlight new thinking or important trends, identify challenges, and map solutions.
Female Peacekeepers’ Impact on the Effectiveness of Peacekeeping Operations
This workshop brought together experts to discuss the concept of operational effectiveness, its neglected gender dimensions, and how female peacekeepers influence UN peacekeeping operations’ operational behavior and effectiveness, pursuant to a major research program being supported by the Canadian government’s Elsie Initiative.
Fostering Attention to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in International Affairs
This symposium, hosted by Ambassador Melanne Verveer and distinguished fellow Carla Koppell, focused on how to enhance diversity and inclusion in international affairs education. Participants brainstormed practical strategies to drive inclusive research, teaching, and practice. The event closed with a reception hosted by the Embassy of Norway.
Climate Change, Conflict and Gender
The Institute hosted a symposium at Georgetown University on the intersection of climate change, conflict and gender, co-sponsored by the Trinity College in Dublin. Former Irish President Mary Robinson joined 25 academics, practitioners and policymakers from a number of countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Costa Rica, at the symposium.
Women’s Informal Involvement in Peace Processes
The Institute hosted a symposium for top scholars, policy makers and practitioners on women’s informal involvement in peace processes with participation from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Africa. The workshop was followed by a public reception at Norwegian Embassy in Washington.
Women and De-Radicalization
The Institute hosted a full day symposium on female foreign fighters: how to disengage and reintegrate participants. Women are joining violent extremist groups at an increasing rate, but there's little research on the gendered dynamics of deradicalization processes.
Women and Countering Violent Extremism
The Institute hosted an all-day, closed-door workshop on women and countering violent extremism (CVE). We also hosted a public reception hosted by Dutch Ambassador to the US Henne Schuwer, which featured remarks by Under Secretary Sarah Sewall.
Women and Peace Support Operations
We brought together scholars and expert practitioners from around the world to explore themes such as operational effectiveness, gender and militarization, and the evolution of the women, peace and security agenda in peacekeeping.
Women's Economic Participation in Post-Conflict and Fragile Settings
This workshop brought together scholars and expert practitioners from around the world to explore themes such as women in agriculture and the role of the private sector, as well as case studies of specific conflicts.