AMU Homeland Security Original

Women in International Security: How Nations Benefit

Since the Cold War ended, the definition of international security has broadened significantly. During the Cold War, for instance, international security was linked to military might and a nation’s capacity to defend its borders from external threats.

After the Cold War, there was a narrow, militarized view of international security. The primary concern was the prevention of direct armed conflict between superpower nations.

Women were almost entirely excluded from decision-making roles in security-related fields, which were heavily dominated by men. Sadly, this exclusion limited women’s professional opportunities and constrained the perspectives available to security planners.

Why International Security Is Different Today

Since 1994, our understanding of international security has evolved to encompass non-traditional threats such as climate change, human rights, migration and health crises. This broader definition of international security requires diverse perspectives, skills and approaches that can only be achieved by including more women in security.

The United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Report introduced the concept of human security, focusing on protecting individuals from a wide range of threats beyond military concerns. These threats include:

  • Economic insecurity
  • Food insecurity
  • Environmental security
  • Personal safety

Having more women in leadership roles across the international security field is crucial. Their involvement ensures that broader societal concerns – such as community resilience, human rights and economic stability – are addressed alongside traditional security challenges.

Why We Need More Women in International Security

Women’s unique experiences and insights make them invaluable contributors to solving today’s complex security challenges. Ultimately, having more women in security is essential to achieving more comprehensive, sustainable, and effective security solutions.

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is one of the leading advocates for including more women in security. In a recent blog article, the OSCE highlighted how women bring unique perspectives critical to achieving sustainable peace and global security.

According to the OSCE, “women are often at the forefront of addressing community concerns and conflict resolution.” Their inclusion in international security discussions can lead to more comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of conflict, rather than just handling the symptoms of that conflict.

Furthermore, women’s participation in peace processes increases the likelihood of long-lasting peace between nations. The OSCE notes that peace agreements are 35% more likely to last longer when women are involved. This statistic underscores the unique ability of women to foster dialogue, build trust and implement strategies that consider the long-term well-being of communities.

By contrast, traditional global security approaches prioritize short-term, tactical victories over enduring stability. Recruiting more women into the security industry enhances problem-solving and improves communication with the public.

Also, it fosters greater trust between security providers and communities. Women’s natural ability to de-escalate tense situations, their attention to detail and their capacity to bring empathy into decision-making processes benefit the security industry at all levels.

Some Personal Insights on Women in International Security from Romania’s Minister of Justice

During a recent meeting with Romania’s Minister of Justice Mrs. Alina Gorghiu in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to discuss her advocacy for more women in international security. Mrs. Gorghiu is a passionate advocate for gender equality and recognizes the significant impact women can have in the international security field.

She has continuously pushed for more female representation in decision-making roles within Romania’s legal and security sectors and emphasized the importance of diversity in ensuring justice and security for all citizens.

The author with Romanian Minister of Justice Alina Gorghiu. Image courtesy of author.

Mrs. Gorghiu recently attended a meeting at the United Nations during the 79th UN General Assembly, where she participated in discussions on women, peace and global security. In this forum, she spoke about the need for more women at the negotiating table when peace agreements are being brokered.

Her commitment to this cause stems from her belief that women are uniquely positioned to address issues such as human trafficking, domestic violence and access to justice. These issues are often overlooked in male-dominated international security discussions.

Mrs. Gorghiu has championed legislative reforms to improve the rights of victims of violence and promote gender equality in Romania’s justice system. Her leadership in this area provides a powerful example of how women in security-related fields can make a tangible difference to society.

Overcoming Barriers to Women in International Security

Despite the significant progress made in recent years, women in international security continue to face barriers to full participation in fields relating to international security. Gender stereotypes, a lack of mentorship opportunities and workplace discrimination are common challenges that hinder women’s advancement in these fields. For example, women are often discouraged from pursuing careers in international security, due to the perception that these roles require physical strength or are inherently dangerous.

However, international efforts spearheaded by organizations like the OSCE are working to dismantle these barriers. The OSCE’s efforts to promote gender equality in security focus on increasing women’s access to leadership roles, enhancing gender-responsive policymaking and building capacity through targeted training programs. Similarly, private companies are adopting gender-inclusive hiring practices, offering flexible working conditions and providing specialized training to help women succeed in international security roles.

International Security Continues to Evolve, So Different Perspectives Are Essential

The importance of more women in international security cannot be overstated. As international security continues evolving, the need for diverse perspectives has become more apparent. To address the complex security challenges of the 21st century, women can bring their unique skills, experiences and approaches crucial to solving security issues.

Whether they achieve leadership roles in peace negotiations, contributions to the private security sector, or advocacy for gender equality at the highest levels of government, women have repeatedly proven that they are essential to achieving sustainable peace and security.

By empowering more women to enter the international security field and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, we can create a safer, more equitable world for everyone. I look forward to further contributing to these efforts and seeing more women take on leadership roles in shaping the future of international security.

Women in Security at the University

At the University, we are taking steps to empower and support women who are interested in pursuing careers in security. A newly formed student organization, Women in Security (wSEC), offers opportunities for women to network, share their knowledge, and develop professionally in the international security arena. This organization – open to all University students, alumni, faculty, and staff – promotes inclusivity and seeks to cultivate a supportive community that nurtures the development of women in security-related careers.

This student organization is committed to addressing the challenges that women face in international security and providing opportunities for growth and collaboration. To further these goals, I plan to invite Mrs. Alina Gorghiu to give a lecture to our members and the broader University community. Her experience and insights into the importance of women’s leadership in international security would offer valuable lessons to aspiring security professionals at our University.

Andreea Mosila is a doctoral candidate in global security at the University’s School of Security and Global Studies and the founder of the student organization Women in Security (wSEC). She holds a bachelor’s degree in space studies and a master’s degree in political science from American Public University, as well as a master’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Andreea is currently a Fulbright grantee to Romania, researching climate change security risks in the Danube River Delta. Her research includes how food insecurity in the region affects women and what measures are being implemented to address these challenges.

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