Author: Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security

Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace & Security seeks to promote a more stable, peaceful and just world by focusing on the important role women play in preventing conflict and building peace, growing economies and addressing global threats like climate change and violent extremism. GIWPS engages in rigorous research, hosts global convenings, advances strategic partnerships and nurtures the next generation of leaders.

Ms. Global: From Ukraine to Lebanon to Sudan, Women Are Bearing the Brunt of Escalating Global Conflict

Around the world, escalating armed conflict, political repression and humanitarian collapse are reshaping daily life for women and girls—often with devastating consequences. From drone warfare in Sudan, to internet blackouts in Iran, to attacks on healthcare infrastructure in Lebanon and Gaza, women are navigating intensifying threats while also sustaining families, communities and survival networks under extraordinary strain. At the same time, women-led organizations and feminist movements confronting these crises increasingly face funding cuts, political repression and shrinking civic space even as demand for their work grows.

Globally, over 676 million women and girls live within 50 kilometers of armed conflict, representing about 17 percent of the female population. This staggering figure—a 74 percent increase since 2010—is tracked and analyzed by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security in partnership with PRIO.

But we also know: Feminist movements around the world hold answers to some of the world’s most urgent crises. Ms. Global is taking note of feminists worldwide—and the gendered realities shaping conflict, displacement, political repression and survival.

Secretary Madeleine Albright on Her Legacy as a Women’s Rights Champion: ‘I Decided I Would Make Women’s Issues Central to American Foreign Policy’

Madeleine Albright, the first woman U.S. secretary of state, died of cancer on Wednesday, Mar. 23. She was 84 years old. She served many roles in the executive branch throughout her storied career, including President Bill Clinton’s ambassador to the United Nations and later his secretary of state.

As a tribute, we compiled some of her best remarks about her work as a women’s rights champion. Rest in power, Secretary Madeleine Albright.

Nobel Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee Fights for the “Unknown Women” Leading Nonviolent Protests in the Face of Civil War

Nobel Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee Fights for the "Unknown Women" Leading Nonviolent Protests in the Face of Civil War

Nobel Peace Prize recipient Leymah Gbowee talks about her experiences with war and journey to being a peacemaker.

“I did what I had to do, at a time that was necessary. I wasn’t looking for any accolades. I would do it again, even if there wasn’t a Nobel Peace Prize. … That prize, that has my name on it, says we recognize the role of grassroots, rural, community women as nurturers and sustainers of their society.”

The Ms. Q&A: Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi on the Fight for Racial Justice

The Ms. Q&A: Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi on the Fight for Racial Justice

Opal Tometi co-founded Black Lives Matter in 2013 alongside activists Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors.

“It should be no real surprise to people that Black Lives Matter was founded by three women. However, I find often people are surprised to learn that. The fact is that Black women and women, period, are oftentimes key architects of social movements.”