Stepping up for Peace and Security: young women as agents of change
Arms control. Disarmament. Non-proliferation. What images come to mind? Stocks of ammunition? Missile installations? Men in grey suits? Men in uniform? Young women from Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, and Norway? That last image might not be typical, but it could be. We know that sustainable security demands that women play an integral part in the decision-making processes around security. And while this is often raised in the context of negotiations on peace processes, which is crucial, the reality is that shaping security involves so much more – and women need to be included across the board. Yet we see that young women still face additional hurdles when it comes to areas long seen as the domain of men – including arms-control, disarmament and non-proliferation.
I know the challenges myself. When I started my career as a diplomat, I was the first woman to work in a German Minister’s cabinet. In addition to doing the work that any member of cabinet would be expected to deliver, I had to go above and beyond to convince sceptical colleagues and supervisors of my abilities. Throughout my career I have too often been the only woman at the table. I’ve experienced the challenges – and I know how important it is for young women to receive recognition, be empowered, create networks and support each other. And of course my experience is not unique. And while the numbers are better than they were a few decades ago, it remains the case that there are fewer women than men in key roles around the world, and too few role models for young women working in the security sector.
With North Macedonia’s upcoming OSCE Chairmanship, I feel even more empowered and motivated to work in the field of peace and security and to put into practice all of the knowledge I have gained.
Alexandra, 31, North Macedonia
This is why I am so proud of the OSCE-UNODA Scholarship for Peace and Security programme. The programme supports young professionals, particularly women, by strengthening their understanding of conflict prevention and resolution through arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation. It also helps to inspire confidence among this talented group of young women and men from all over the OSCE region – as well as from countries like Afghanistan and the Republic of Korea– which aren’t member of the OSCE but are Partners for Co-operation.
This year, 150 young professionals – the large majority of whom are women – took part in an 8-week online training. And earlier this week, we hosted 44 of them in Vienna for a further week-long in-person training. I had the pleasure to meet with them and am truly inspired by this new generation of young leaders.
The programme was not just about careers but also about being introduced to different cultures and mindsets. That’s very important to me.
Ileana, 26, Greece & United States of America
Their stories highlight the energy and experience they bring to the security challenges we will be facing over the next decades. This is true of those who took part in the 2022 programme and applies as well to the more than 500 graduates who since 2018 have joined our alumnae of the Scholarship for Peace and Security programme. The women and men in this growing network of young professionals are learning from each other, building understanding across cultures, and advancing the vital work of arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. Thanks to our programme, there is a growing number of role models for the next generation.
And of course this programme is only one initiative of many to involve young people – and especially young women – in the work of building comprehensive security. Looking at my own staff, I see the incredible shift that has already begun. Young people – as well as women of all ages from all across the OSCE area – are helping to create workable solutions to the challenges facing us all – in the context of arms control, climate change, combatting human trafficking, supporting women’s economic empowerment, and so much more.
I work in nuclear disarmament and human rights, this programme has really inspired me to continue in the field and to eventually start my own organization.
Aigerim, 28, Kazakhstan
Supporting the inclusion of women in peace and security is a key priority and I’m heartened to see the progress so far, but there’s so much more to do. Women belong at the table. Women have tremendous contributions to make to the full range of security issues – including arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. The OSCE will continue to lead by example and support young leaders so we can build a more equitable, prosperous and secure society for all.