Gender and Equity

The latest analysis, events, research, and commentary on gender and equity.
A group of girls sit at their desks at a school in Kenya.
iStock
Women and Girls

Women's Success Is the World's Success

Impact Stories by Catherine Bertini
Council Distinguished Fellow and Former Executive Director of the World Food Program Catherine Bertini reflects on why elevating women and girls worldwide matters.
Protestors in support of Iranian women and against the death of Mahsa Amini in Istanbul, Turkey on October 22, 2022.
Reuters
Women and Girls

Iran's Uprising and the Fight for Women's Rights

PAST EVENT VIDEO
Experts discuss the movement’s momentum and the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran, and how it is shaping the future of women’s rights.
Global Food for Thought by Natalie Burdsall
Queering Farming: How LGBTQIA+ Farmers are Reimagining Agriculture
An Ashokra farm worker stands in a field of crops. An Ashokra farm worker stands in a field of crops. Food and Agriculture
Ashokra Farm
Queer farmers are challenging discriminatory legacies in agriculture, and envisioning an agricultural system that uplifts and celebrates LBGTQIA+ people.
Young woman talking into a microphone. Young woman talking into a microphone. Young woman talking into a microphone. Young woman talking into a microphone. Inclusion and Equity
Building an Inclusive National Security Workforce
Blog Impact Stories by Shannon Gonzalez
A couple in Uganda wrapped in a gay pride flag, seen from behind. A couple in Uganda wrapped in a gay pride flag, seen from behind. A couple in Uganda wrapped in a gay pride flag, seen from behind. A couple in Uganda wrapped in a gay pride flag, seen from behind. US Foreign Policy
AP Photos
The Unholy Relationship Between Uganda's Anti-LGBTQ+ Law and US Evangelicalism
Blog Global Insight by Emma Sanderson
Afghan women demonstrate in the center of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday August 13, 2022.
REUTERS
Women and Girls

Amplifying Women's Rights in Afghanistan

PAST EVENT VIDEO
As the Taliban crackdown on women’s rights continues, an expert panel discusses how the global community can support Afghan women and girls.

Past Event Video

Catherine Ashton speaking at the Council.
Getty
Inside Modern-Day Diplomacy with Baroness Catherine Ashton

Baroness Catherine Ashton joined the Council for a discussion on 21st century diplomacy and how it can address the many challenges the world faces today.

Senator Tammy Duckworth speaking with Elizabeth Shackelford.
Ana Miyares Photography
Senator Tammy Duckworth on Indo-Pacific Security

Senator Tammy Duckworth spoke with Elizabeth Shackelford on Indo-Pacific security and economic relationships, her priorities in Congress related to the region, and America’s role in the world.

Dina Smeltz sharing Council data.
What Young Americans Think about Nuclear Weapons

Dina Smeltz joined the Carnegie Corporation to discuss the Council’s latest polling on nuclear issues and what more can be done to engage the next generation.

Fiona Hill speaking at a microphone seated.
Reuters
Fiona Hill on Russia, Ukraine, and the Outcome of the War

Fiona Hill discusses the populist wave moving through Europe and the United States, and what may be on the horizon in Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe.

Featured Commentary & Analysis

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
The State of Abortion and Reproductive Rights Around the World
Woman protesting for reproductive rights Woman protesting for reproductive rights Woman protesting for reproductive rights Women and Girls
REUTERS
Play the podcast
Experts Bela Ganatra and Katherine Mayall discuss how global trends have influenced reproductive rights in the United States.
A woman holding a laptop stands outside observing her farm. A woman holding a laptop stands outside observing her farm. A woman holding a laptop stands outside observing her farm. A woman holding a laptop stands outside observing her farm. Food and Agriculture
AP Photos
A New Goal for Agricultural AI: Gender Mainstreaming
Blog Global Food for Thought by Molly Shields
Hands hold yellow sign saying "Bans off our bodies" in front of a blue sky Hands hold yellow sign saying "Bans off our bodies" in front of a blue sky Hands hold yellow sign saying "Bans off our bodies" in front of a blue sky Hands hold yellow sign saying "Bans off our bodies" in front of a blue sky US Foreign Policy
America Is Leading the World Backward
In the News Chicago Tribune
What you do to your women, you do to your nation. What you do to your women, you do to your nation. What you do to your women, you do to your nation. What you do to your women, you do to your nation. Women and Girls
REUTERS
What You Do to Your Women, You Do to Your Nation.
Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Women, Equity, and Global Development Forum

The Council's Women, Equity, and Global Development Forum engages and convenes diverse global perspectives and advocates for inclusive, sustainable, and equitable global development practices.
Learn more
three women having a discussion on stage during the symposium

Featured Research

A woman in uniform faces away from camera and salutes in front of a blue sky. Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy
The National Guard
Women in National Security and International Humanitarian Law Compliance
RESEARCH Report by Emily Sullivan

Emily Sullivan examines the potential impact of women’s increased participation and decision-making in militaries and national security in Interdisciplinary Political Studies.

A woman in a stands outside the Women's Centre in Balukhali camp March 6, 2018.
UN Women/Allison Joyce
Conflict-Related Sexual Assault—Historic Barriers to International Recognition
RESEARCH Working Paper by Nicole Mattea

This working paper further explains the recent emergence of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) into international discourse and preventative strategies.

A young Indian girl writes on a chalkboard in a classroom Center on Global Food and Agriculture
Nikhita S.
Women and Girls as Change Agents
RESEARCH Report

Investing in girls' education can put countries on the path to a more stable, prosperous future.

In the News

Activists hold red placards with yellow writing during their picket against Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill Inclusion and Equity
AP Photos
Uganda's Anti-LGBTQ Law Should Draw Attention to a Bigger Problem for the US
In the News The Chicago Tribune by Elizabeth Shackelford

“As we celebrate the LGBTQ community here at home, let’s not forget the fight to protect them elsewhere continues,” writes Elizabeth Shackelford.

An image of the American flag being ripped in two. Global Politics
iStock
The Supreme Court Is Damaging America's International Standing
In the News World Politics Review by Paul Poast

By overturning Roe v. Wade last week, Paul Poast argues that the Supreme Court is undermining America's international standing in World Politics Review.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir at a press conference on March 28, 2022. Women and Girls
Reuters
A Diplomat in South Sudan
In the News CSIS by Elizabeth Shackelford

Elizabeth Shackleford joins CSIS to look at her role in extending the United Nation’s patrol and protection of women against South Sudanese security forces.

Women in Chicago protest gun violence Women and Girls
REUTERS
The Gendered Dynamics of Gun Violence in Chicago
In the News Women in International Security

Examining the gendered dynamics of conflict helps us better understand increasing rates of violence and ways to mitigate it in Chicago.