Gender Equality and Democracy: New Research from GIWPS

For the past 83 years, BPW has campaigned for equality for women in power and decision making roles. We have long known that the impact of women, when allowed to participate as equals, is hugely positive at all levels of society. This recent report from Georgetown Institute for Women Peace and Security (GIWPS) highlights how empowering women and building resilient democracies go hand in hand.

It also shows how women's rights are being undermined in many regions and that there is still very important work for BPW to do.

Here are some excerpts from the recent newsletter published by Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

Summit for Democracy

This week, President Biden co-hosted the second Summit for Democracy with the governments of Costa Rica, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Zambia. The White House invited 120 global leaders to participate in Summit activities following a Year of Action to build democratic resilience globally.

Around the world, gender equality and women’s right to participate in public life are being undermined by the same forces that are pushing back on democracy. Ahead of this year’s summit, the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) released a new research brief that shows empowering women and building resilient democracies go hand in hand.

We also joined the governments of Sweden and Romania, and International IDEA to co-lead a Cohort on Gender Equality as a Prerequisite for Democracy in the lead-up to the Summit. Read more about our Cohort’s recommendations and side-event below.

GIWPS Research Brief: The Links between Women’s Status and Democracy

Informing the Summit for Democracy

Q&A on GIWPS' Work to Strengthen Democracies

Harassment of Women Political Leaders in Colombia

ABOUT GIWPS

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. We engage in rigorous research, host global convenings, advance strategic partnerships, and nurture the next generation of leaders. Housed within the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown, the Institute is headed by the former U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer. For more information, visit https://giwps.georgetown.edu/.