Breaking barriers: addressing gender equity and leadership in national security

The ANU National Security College (NSC) recently hosted the Women in National Security (WiNS): Leadership and Impact Program. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic national security field by empowering and advancing women leaders.

The program offered a compelling platform for discussion, delving into critical topics.

• The Office for Women's strategies: participants gained insights into the Australian Government's approach to advancing gender equity within the public sector and broader community.
• Financial abuse and national security: experts explored the impact of financial abuse on social cohesion and strategies for disrupting conventional thinking and advocating for change.
• Closing the gender gap in diplomacy leadership: the program examined data on gender barriers in diplomacy and explored solutions to ensure women have equal opportunities to lead.

This two-day program culminated in a dynamic, full-day workshop on Audacious Leadership. Through interactive dialogue, skill-building exercises, and personal reflections, participants honed their leadership styles and developed their capacity to influence positive change.

NSC firmly believes that diversity strengthens the national security community. Empowering women to take on leadership roles fosters innovation and progress, leading to a more robust and responsive national security apparatus. We are committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive field.