LCWINS

From the #MeToo movement to the record number of female Members of Congress, issues of women’s role and advancement are now, finally, on the front pages. Yet despite this, women, especially women of color, remain shut out of many top positions in the national security and foreign policy domains, and their voices are often absent from panels, conferences and media coverage. Women’s inclusion, especially at senior levels, is critical to the development of smart policy options — and we don’t have time to waste.

A group of senior women in national security have come together to provide the public leadership and specific benchmarks to improve gender diversity and fight unconscious bias in our field, regardless of political party. Given both the unique cultural moment in which we find ourselves and the talent and expertise resident within the Leadership Council for Women in National Security (LCWINS), we have a unique opportunity to transform outcomes for women and for U.S. national security. We are proud to join our many colleagues working to increase diversity of all kinds among national security professionals, because we know that doing so improves policy outcomes and ensures we benefit from all the best talent our nation has to offer.
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Our country is currently experiencing historic levels of enthusiasm and momentum surrounding women’s leadership and gender equality — even as the national security field urgently needs the infusion of a new generation of talent. It’s past time for investment in concrete progress on gender across the national security field. With your support, we’re ready for this fight.
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