Hello BPW! Happy June!

In honor of International Day of Women in Diplomacy on June 24th, I would like to discuss the Women, Peace and Security program that the DoD recently canceled.

The idea for the program came into the international diplomatic imagination in 2000, when the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1325 that affirmed the role women play in all aspects of the prevention and resolution of conflicts. In 2017, the US Congress passed the Women, Peace, and Security Act and President Trump signed it into law and published a strategy for implementation of the law. This strategy included ensuring women were included in decision making related to crises and protection of women’s and girl’s human rights. This initiative included several agencies across the US government but has garnered headlines in recent months due to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth canceling the program.

When I was in college, I conducted research on the ideas central to this program. My research reaffirmed what those in the international diplomacy space have known for years. Inclusion of women in peace processes makes the peace deals more stable, inclusive, and long lasting. Not only that, but when women are included in peace processes make it significantly more likely that considerations specific to women are included in peace agreements.

The knowledge that women bring to the table about their communities and what will work best to keep the peace is unparalleled to many other alternatives tried in diplomacy.

The WPS program wasn’t perfect, but it highlighted important gendered gaps in the diplomatic spaces. Gaps that lead to missed opportunities for true diplomatic and peace breakthroughs. This program also recognized that women are not an underrepresented minority that needs more voice in diplomatic spaces, but rather that women are quite literally half of the world and it is crucial that their interests and perspectives be represented at every level possible.

So, this International Women in Diplomacy Day, I would like to ask that you take a moment to remember all of the women crucial to diplomacy that changed their communities for the better that you have never heard of and those for whom it will be harder to get involved in the diplomacy because of the end of this vital program.

What is Young BPW?

If you're between the ages of 18-35 and are looking to collaborate on BPW local and international initiatives – including career, leadership, and women's rights -- then Young BPW is for you!

Young BPW members exchange ideas, information, and support to help keep all members achieving their career potential. We offer a tight-knit, engaged community, as well as leadership opportunities, resources, and career-focused programs.

Email us at: youngbpw@nfbpwc.org

Keep in the loop of Young BPW activities and join in on them by following us on:

@YoungBPWUSA

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YoungBPWUSA

BRYN NORRIE
NFBPWC YOUNG BPW CHAIR
2024-2026