Who We Are

A global community that recognizes women’s vital role in preventing conflict, fostering peace, and addressing global challenges. 

Our Story

In 2013, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined forces with Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia to address an urgent and overlooked reality: the untapped potential of women as leaders in peace, security, and economic progress. Inspired by the groundbreaking mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which affirmed the critical role of women in preventing conflict and building peace, Georgetown established a global platform for research, advocacy, and action. 

The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security was born out of a conviction that empowering women is not just about fairness–it is about building a safer, more prosperous world. Women’s leadership in conflict resolution, post-crisis recovery, and the economy has proven transformative, yet too often, women remain marginalized. 

Guided by this mission, the Institute has become a global hub for evidence-based solutions, amplifying the voices of women, peacebuilders, informing policymakers, and mentoring future leaders. With Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton as its founding chair, the Institute continues to advance women’s leadership in peace, security, and inclusive progress on a global scale.

Secretary Madeleine Albright and former President of Kosovo Atifete Jahjaga join a GIWPS event moderated by GIWPS Executive Director Ambassador Melanne Verveer.
GIWPS Honorary Founding Chair Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton together with GIWPS Executive Director Ambassador Melanne Verveer.
Afghan women leaders come together at Georgetown for a discussion on their country’s future.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create a more peaceful, equitable, and just world. We do this by focusing on the pivotal role women play in preventing conflict and building peace. Through cutting-edge research, policy advocacy, timely global convenings, and student engagement, GIWPS highlights the roles and experiences of women in peace and security worldwide.

Our Relationship with Georgetown University

We are part of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Our work with Georgetown students—through a graduate certificate program, research fellowships, and popular on-campus events— enables the next generation of foreign policy professionals to increase attention to gender issues and diversity in international peace and security.

The People Who Make it Happen

We are grateful for the people and partnerships that propel our work.

GIWPS Team

Meet our staff and student assistants.

Meet the team

Our Partners

Meet our funders and collaborators.

Learn more: Our Partners

Our Affiliates

Meet our nonresidential fellows.

Learn more: Our Affiliates