Plan for Pitt 2025

Women In International Security logo

Abstract

This project will establish a chapter of Women in International Security (WIIS) at the University of Pittsburgh. WIIS is the premier global organization devoted to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international peace and security. Membership will be open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The proposed WIIS chapter will connect Pitt across the university and the local community, as well as nationally and internationally to the WIIS network of 7,000 members in 46 countries and six continents. The envisioned WIIS chapter at the University of Pittsburgh aims to increase the representation of women, particularly in leadership positions, in the fields of peace and security. It will provide a forum for education, mentoring, and discussion of peace and security issues through a conference, speaker series, and other WIIS-affiliated events. These events will expose our students to prominent women role models, which we hope will empower them to pursue careers and leadership opportunities in these fields. This Pitt Seed Project will support WIIS-affiliated events on campus, and will aim to lower the barriers to access for students through partial funding of WIIS membership fees, transportation to Pittsburgh and Washington DC networking and mentoring events, and admission to substantive events.