Updates & Opportunities
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February 2026 Newsletter
Dear WIIS Friends and Colleagues,
This year, WIIS is honored to support the filmmakers of THE FIGHT TO FIGHT, a feature documentary film that tells the story of the courageous women who became the first to integrate the U.S. Army's Infantry and Armor combat units in 2016. Key archival interviews used in the film were conducted by WIIS fellows and with WIIS support from 2016-2021.
The documentary shares the recent history of women’s efforts to achieve equality within the US military. Freedom from discrimination based on sex is a fundamental right that has been firmly established in a broad framework of US laws. However, as recently as 2015, one place remained where discrimination against women was both tolerated and strictly enforced: the US military, where women were excluded from serving in frontline combat units based on their sex alone, even if they met all standards and were fully qualified. Aside from being purely discriminatory, 80% of top military decision makers – generals and admirals – come from combat occupations. Ever since the ground combat exclusion policy was removed in 2015, women have been steadily moving up in the hierarchy and finally earning seats at the decision-making table.
Through historical footage and interviews with the women who have courageously chosen to tell their stories, THE FIGHT TO FIGHT showcases women’s success in serving within ground combat units despite gender-based obstacles. Interviews with political leaders reflect the current stakes for women in combat occupations.
THE FIGHT TO FIGHT film is more than a look at the battle for gender inequality in the military: it is a real-time, inside-the-wire examination of fast-moving historically significant events. With exclusive access to the women who are directly suffering the effects of gender bias, it documents the history of their achievements and how they are being rewritten and removed.
Help bring the story of these trailblazing women to the screen. Donate now to THE FIGHT TO FIGHT documentary and through a generous matching grant, the Pritzker Military Foundation will double donations up to $50K.
We look forward to sharing more about this important endeavor with you throughout the year.
Warm regards,
Dr. Lauren Van Metre
President & CEO
Women In International Security (WIIS)
Upcoming Events & Opportunities
EVENT (WIIS GLOBAL MEMBERS ONLY)
WIISUp Wednesday | WIIS Global
Date: February 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
Details: Join WIIS Global for a virtual member-exclusive networking hour with guest speaker Molly Middlehurst, a strategic advisor and consultant specializing in women’s political participation, LGBTQI+ rights, countering sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), youth development, expanding economic opportunity, and community resilience.
EVENT
Women of Colour in International Security Webinar | WIIS Australia
Date: February 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM ET / February 5, 2026 at 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM AEDT
Details: WIIS Australia is hosting its first online webinar of the year, “Women of Colour in International Security,” featuring Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Michelle Chan as the keynote speaker. The webinar will bring together panelists working across diplomacy, defense, and development to examine how intersectional perspectives shape Australia’s approach to global security.
OPPORTUNITY (WIIS CANADA MEMBERS ONLY)
Call for Nominations: 2026 WIIS-Canada Awards | WIIS Canada
Deadline: Please submit all nominations before 11:59 PM PT on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Details: Nominations are now open for the 2026 WIIS-Canada Awards, which recognize outstanding women across Canada who are doing groundbreaking work in the field of international security. Nominees can be put forward for two awards: 1) the Emerging Leader Award; and 2) the Distinguished Professional Award. Self-nominations are invited.
Please note that only WIIS Canada members can submit nominations.
OPPORTUNITY
Join the Board of WIIS Canada | WIIS Canada
Date: Please submit applications before 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Details: WIIS Canada is seeking a Director for Grants & Fundraising to join their Board. Self-nominations are welcome. If interested, please send a CV and a short statement (max 250 words) to [email protected].
Publications
PUBLICATION
“Intergenerational Dialogue as a Mechanism for Transformative Implementation of the WPS and YPS Agendas: the Case of Libya” by Ilaria Bertocchini | WIIS Italy
Details: In the latest #25YearsofWPS blog post, Ilaria Bertocchini examines how, by challenging gendered & generational power hierarchies, intergenerational dialogue in Libya can move Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) implementation beyond symbolic inclusion toward structural change.
PUBLICATION
“Human Trafficking on the Border of Indonesia and Timor Leste: Why Australia Must Care” by Guidora (Julie) Kopong | WIIS Australia
Details: In a new blog from WIIS Australia and the Australian Institute of International Affairs, Julie Kopong argues that understanding and addressing trafficking dynamics along the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border is critical for Australia, because targeted cooperation, improved data, and gender-sensitive, victim-centred approaches can prevent exploitation while strengthening regional governance.
Recent Events
“Critical Infrastructure, Critical Choices: Rethinking European Defense” | WIIS Global
Details: In partnership with the Embassy of Liechtenstein, WIIS Global hosted an in-person closed-door salon and reception on January 22nd at the Liechtenstein Residence.
Led by high-level experts in transnational security, defense policy, and democratic resilience, the discussion examined how European partners define “critical infrastructure” and “resilience,” how they can set standards and accountability measures to construct effective civil defense mechanisms, and where they see their comparative advantages and contributions to increasing collective security.
Conversations with Dr. Lauren Van Metre | WIIS Brussels
Details: On January 29th, WIIS Brussels hosted WIIS Global President & CEO Dr. Lauren Van Metre for a conversation around adapting the WPS agenda to rising authoritarianism and hybrid threats in the U.S.
Dr. Van Metre’s presentation was followed by responses from Karen Meier (WIIS Chile President), Anna Dolidze (former Member of Parliament of Georgia) and Denisa-Elena Ionete (Ambassador of the EU to Djibouti).
Highlighting WIIS' global expertise on the issue, speakers and WIIS Brussels members discussed the gendered nature of hybrid threats, the transnational commonalities of the authoritarian playbook, and practical strategies to strengthening pro-democracy civilian responses and resilience.
BECOME A WIIS GLOBAL MEMBER
Interested in becoming a member and joining a growing community of women professionals in the international security field?
Unlock a world of opportunities with WIIS membership, from connecting with a global network of 15,000 members to advancing your career through exclusive job boards, events, and mentorship opportunities. Gain access to specialized resources, expert speakers, and a supportive community dedicated to enhancing the role of women in international security.
GIFT A MEMBERSHIP
Whether you’re a professor, mentor, friend, or colleague, you can support the next generation of women in international peace and security by gifting a WIIS membership.
Visit wiisglobal.org/donate to gift a membership to someone you know, or donate one for WIIS to match with a future leader.
SUPPORT OUR WORK IN 2026
Support our mission to empower women in peace and security by donating today—your contribution funds critical programs, career development opportunities, and research that paves the way for policy change and a more inclusive global security landscape.
Do you have feedback or suggestions for us?
Don’t hesitate to email [email protected] to suggest topics and/or events you’re interested in so that we can better meet the needs of our community!
