WIIS Brussels Voices

Consultation on Women & Security

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 12:17:13 GMT

WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – and for the second time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast.

Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In December, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together online for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective.

In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features three incredible women working on security: Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, Ayisha Mohammed, and Rakiba Mohammed.

This episode was recorded on December 19, 2024 and features:

Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, a dedicated community activist and leader with a deep commitment to social change and empowerment. Rooted in African traditions, she serves as a spiritual healer and herbalist, drawing on ancestral knowledge to promote holistic well-being and cultural preservation.
Ayisha Mohammed, a passionate youth activist and mental health advocate with a strong focus on community development, empowerment, and education. She is the Deputy Director and Facilitator at Achievers Ghana, an NGO that supports the empowerment of girls by providing access to quality education, leadership development, and technology training. In addition, Ayisha serves as Operations Manager and trainer at Yepafrica, an organization committed to empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.
Rakiba Mohammed from Nima, a popular slum in Accra, Ghana. She is a cybersecurity analyst who is passionate about bridging the tech gap between the rural and urban areas, deeply committed to empowering young women in underserved communities with technology education, making cybersecurity accessible, and fostering an inclusive and diverse future where everyone has the tools to thrive in the digital world.
Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels.

In this episode, Matilda, Ayisha and Rakiba share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all.

Credits

Music: free from copyright

Production: teevee.studio

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

Opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consultation on Women & Security

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:29:47 GMT

WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – focusing on migrant, refugee, and exile activists – and for the first time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast.

Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In September, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective.

In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features two incredible women defending the rights of refugees, migrants, and exiles: Silsila Mahboub and Seyran Khalili.

This episode was recorded on September 12 2024 and features:

Silsila Mahboub, an Afghan refugee living in Bulgaria, is an activist, human rights defender, entrepreneur, and public speaker who has dedicated her life to advocating for refugee women's rights in Europe.
Seyran Khalili, a Kurdish-Norwegian human rights activist and a program manager at New Women Connectors, a social change movement that advocates for feminist ideals, and is led by migrant and refugee women who share common experiences and strengths.
Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels.

In this episode, Silsila and Seyran share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all.

Credits

Music: free from copyright

Production: teevee.studio

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

Opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Africa All Around

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 23:05:57 GMT

As the world grapples with the ructions of recent global disorder, focus has often turned to the global south and its reactions. Notably, the African continent has become of great interest, not least because of its varied positions on events in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside the manifest attempts of China, Russia, the US and the EU to garner support and attention.

Africa is a continent of 54 separate states, with over 18% of the global population — so the mere attempt to speak of it as a whole is flawed. From regions to states, each faces unique challenges. Equally, while some states remain stable over time, others have been prone to descend into disorder. From August 2022 to 2023, there were a staggering seven military coups, largely in the Sahel region, creating a ripple effect of fear and concerns about contagion.

To better understand the continent, the coups and the potentials, Ilana Bet-El hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Comfort Ero, President and CEO at the International Crisis Group, and Nina Wilén, Director of the Africa Program at Egmont, Royal Institute for International Relations. Both women leaders bring extensive experience and fascinating insights to navigate the rhyme and reason of the continent; the eternal problems of governing and governance; the difference between military and constitutional coups and the reasons why citizens of African states have both embraced and rejected them; the role and potential of the African Union with a seat at the G20; and the over-hyped position of Russia in Africa.

This episode was recorded on November 14 2023 and features:

Ilana Bet-El
Comfort Ero LinkedIn & Twitter
Nina Wilén LinkedIn & Twitter

Curious to learn more? Follow the link for more resources from our guests!

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Short Cuts #4

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:10:26 GMT

Exactly one month after the Hamas attack on Israel, global disorder continues apace. To gain a broad perspective on the cascade of news and events, Ilana Bet El is joined by Oksana Antonenko, Visiting Fellow at the Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies in Florence and long-standing expert and advisor on geopolitics, crisis and risk.

This is a lively discussion covering the latest moves of the US, the big picture on Russia’s posture and interests in the Israel / Hamas confrontation and the broader Middle East as well as its real perspective on Ukraine and the west. Iran and China are part of this perspective, but also have differing interests in the global disorder, while not publicly squabbling appears the main achievement of the EU.

These issues and others bring a new and refreshing perspective on global events, connecting the dots between a multitude of actors with very differing agendas.

This episode was recorded on 4 November October 2023.

Credits

Music: Free from copyright
Production: Florence Ferrando

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Women Leaders: Short Cuts #3

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:59:54 GMT

The third week after the Hamas attack on Israel, the third week of ongoing war in Israel and Gaza not just on the battlefield, but also on social media, the third week of Europe not dealing with war in the Middle East and Ukraine — the third week of spiralling disorder.

Olga Oliker, Program Director, Europe and Central Asia at International Crisis Group joins Ilana Bet-El to analyse developments, and bring some significant insights on the Russian position, the war on social media, the problems in the US and the irrelevance of Europe.

What can we expect from U.S foreign policy? What role do diasporas around the world play in this conflict? Does President Vladimir Putin enjoy the chaos and helplessness of the EU? Why does the EU continue to struggle to express a voice? And what of world order?

This episode was recorded on 28 October 2023.

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

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Women Leaders: Latin America on the Global Stage — Missing In Action?

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:30:49 GMT

Historians of the future will spend much time deciding whether we entered the world of disorder in the Covid pandemic or because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or because of worsening US-China relations or because of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October — or because of many other reasons. However, when they come to analyse the events, they will find the voice of Latin America was relatively absent from the global stage, or indeed in the multilateral institutions such as the UN. This is an anomaly, as nearly 10% of the global population live in Latin America, and over centuries many exceptional people have emerged from the continent to contribute much to the global good.

Two such exceptional women are María Ángela Holguín, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and Jessica Faieta, a native of Ecuador and former UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. They join Ilana Bet-El in a deep and wide ranging discussion about the continent — from the difficulties of women gaining high office in some states to the perceived absence of leadership in many Latina states, the declining state of democracy and the immense rise in violence and homicide related to drug wars and trafficking. They also reflect on the perceptions of global affairs in Latin America — from the war against Ukraine to the rise of China and its interests in Latin America to the decline of the UN. It is a fascinating and important perspective on the world.

This episode was recorded on 18 October 2023, and features:

Want to learn more?

WIIS Global report: Enhancing Security - Women’s Participation in the Security Forces in Latin America and the Caribbean

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Short Cuts #2

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 12:17:50 GMT

As the world grapples with ever-shifting news, join us for an exploration of key events from the second week of world disorder following horrendous events in Israel and Gaza — and escalating tensions throughout the Middle East.

Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, shares her insights on the rapidly shifting sands in the region and far beyond in a discussion with Ilana Bet-El.

Will long-standing, contained regional tensions extend the conflict further? How is the conflict in Ukraine being affected by events in the Middle East? Is the EU capable of speaking in a coherent voice ? And above all, is there any vision beyond the immediate limitation of deaths and casualties?

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

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Women Leaders: Short Cuts

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:41:51 GMT

As news unfolded dramatically and horrifically on Saturday, October 7, 2023 in Israel and throughout the week in both Israel and Gaza, it became clear we were witnessing something potentially bigger: yet another escalation in global instability and dysfunction.

This called for a short sharp burst of explanation and assessment with a Woman Leader.

Anna Sauerbrey, Foreign Editor at Germany's prestigious Die Zeit and a columnist for The New York Times, engaged in a one-on-one conversation with Ilana Bet-El. Their mission: to delve deep into the repercussions that followed the Hamas attack in Israel and the ensuing crisis in the Gaza Strip.

Will the war spread? Has the EU the ability to deal with two wars? Will the US rise to the challenge? What are the far-reaching consequences of this recent turmoil? Get the answers in this short, raw discussion.

This episode was recorded on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Afghanistan - The Collapse of a House of Cards

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:55:00 GMT

At 23:59 on August 30 2021 the last US soldier left Kabul, and Afghanistan — and 20 years of international intervention came to an abrupt, final and appalling end. Abrupt, because despite the departure date being known at least since the start of the year, the speed with which the Taliban captured territory vacated by international forces, and the speed with which the internationally trained Afghan army collapsed, meant that the withdrawal became a rapid evacuation, with scenes of chaos and shooting at the airport. On August 15 the Taliban also entered Kabul, the capital: A black day for Afghanistan, as many Afghans put it.

Final, because other than basic humanitarian agencies, all other international bodies had either left or were swiftly told to leave by the jubilant Taliban, the new masters of the state. At the same time, most international aid was halted.

Appalling, because the lives of the people in Afghanistan have become intolerable. Over 75% — some estimates say 90% — of the population now live in abject poverty, made worse by droughts, other effects of climate change, and a regime that makes little effort to provide even basic services. Within that, the situation of women is, if possible, even worse, as noted by UN Women, "Through over 50 edicts, orders and restrictions, the Taliban have left no aspect of women’s lives untouched, no freedom spared.” Women and girls are now effectively non-people.

The fall of Afghanistan has largely become obscured by the appalling war of aggression in Ukraine, but it was and remains both a bleeding international sore, and a blight upon the Afghan people, both in-country and the diaspora. Join Ilana Bet-El in a fascinating, in-depth and very human exploration of these realities with two impressive women of Afghanistan: Dr Habiba Sarābi, a Minister of Women’s affairs in Afghanistan and a member of the former government negotiating team with the Taliban, who was sitting with them in Doha as Afghanistan fell, and Dr Tabasum Akseer, Senior Advisor at the Asia Foundation who was in Kabul as events were unfolding.

This episode was recorded on August 18 2023, and features:

Ilana Bet-El
Habiba Sarabi Twitter & Wikipedia
Tabasum Akseer LinkedIn & Asia Foundation

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Speaking to Everyone, Staying on Message - The Spokesperson Crucial Role

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:55:31 GMT

In a rapidly evolving landscape of media and journalism, spokespersons hold a crucial position, acting as a bridge between politicians, decision-makers, administrations and the public. They are the lynchpin.

Ever wondered why international organisations need spokespersons? Curious about the intricacies of navigating complex institutions like NATO, the European Union, and the United Nations while effectively delivering key messages to the public? Look no further, as we uncover the mysteries and daily challenges faced by these spokespersons amidst the storm of global events.

Join Ilana Bet-El as she explores these and many other issues with two of the most experienced people in the business: Oana Lungescu, Principal Spokesperson at NATO, and Cristina Gallach, formerly UN Undersecretary General for Communications and Public information after serving as Head of Public Relations at the EU Directorate General for Information and Communications. Both women have been at the forefront of many international events, not least during our current tumultuous times, and they deliver insights and explanations as to how these big and complex machines actually work. From the team work and the interface with both leaders and journalists to the crucial need for coordination and the challenges posed by the addition of social media to the equation, this is another crucial WIIS Women Leaders insight into how the world really works.

This episode was recorded on 19 July 2023 and features:

Ilana Bet-El
Oana Lungescu LinkedIn & Twitter
Cristina Gallach LinkedIn & Twitter

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#Bonus - Climate security reality check

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 19:57:17 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experience and expertise on the multi-dimension of climate security.

For this bonus episode, recorded a year after the miniseries publication, Sabrine Dao, Sofiia Shevchuk and Mona Koehler-Schindler look back at what we've learned through the miniseries and share their expertises.

Mona and Sofiia with their diverse rich professional and personal experiences share their insights on the reality check of climate security situations across different geographical areas, such as Afghanistan, Ukraine and more.

The episode is introduced by Laura Djuragic, Deputy Public Affairs Adviser, US Mission to NATO. We want to express our gratitude to the US Mission to NATO for providing funding for this mini-series on climate security.

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

Mona Koehler-Schindler, LinkedIn
Sofiia Shevchuk, LinkedIn, Twitter, website, VONA
Sabrine Dao, Human Rights Advisors (HRA)

Learn more by looking at:

WIIS Brussels Event “Climate Security Risks: Towards more inter-institutional cooperation?” with Kathy Giles-Diaz, Dr Simon Sparsø Damkjaer, Jordan Koop & Iina Lietzén
Sofiia Shevchuk’s publication “Ecological Consequences of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine: Accountability, Compensation, and Sustainable Recovery”, published with the European Liberal Forum Study "Designed in Brussels, Made in Ukraine: Future of EU-Ukraine Relations"

This episode was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State

Credits

Music: Original creation
Production: Sabrine Dao (All At Once Entertainment)

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Women Leaders: Defying stereotypes in counterterrorism

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:19:46 GMT

Join us for a special episode as we delve into the Women in CT report, a project implemented by WIIS Brussels with the support of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Foreign Policy Instrument. (FPI). Hosted by Ilana, this episode welcomes Jessica White, Senior Research Fellow in RUSI’s Terrorism and Conflict group who brings her expertise as a former intelligence and language analyst in the United States Navy & Florence Ferrando, co-author of the report and senior consultant in security and defence.

Prepare to be enthralled as Ilana delves into the Women in CT report, unraveling the reasons why the establishment of these pioneering guidelines to promote the role of women in counterterrorism is imperative. From exploring the roots of gender disparity in counterterrorism to unveiling potential solutions, this conversation highlights the profound impact of gender mainstreaming and the inclusion of marginalised groups on the success of counterterrorism operations.

Be introduced to the project's recommendations aimed at narrowing the gender gap and dismantling the gendered perspective that affects counterterrorism strategies.

This episode features:

Learn more:

Download the English or French version of the report
Get your copy of « Gender Mainstreaming in Counter-Terrorism », the book written by Jessica White
Listen to « Decoding Counterterrorism » a podcast series hosted by Jessica White

WIIS Brussels

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: The Wide World of Diplomacy and Trade

Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:46 GMT

What do agreements, sanctions, trade, business, crises and negotiations have in common? Diplomats. If money makes the world go around, diplomats pave its way: they enable the connections between states, multilateral institutions, leaders and the unfolding realities of the world. And they are especially crucial now, with the world in turmoil. The war in Ukraine and its fallout, the growing US-China rivalry, the bloody conflict in Sudan, the increasing threats of climate change — these are just a few obvious and rapidly unfolding global events, all demanding attention and action. And while it is the media that brings them to us all, the diplomats work behind the scenes to connect the people, the issues and the crisis, as well as to seek and negotiate compromises and solutions.

To better understand the complexities of modern diplomacy, and especially its crucial role in bridging economies, business and international trade, Ilana Bet-El is joined by two eminent ambassadors: Nina Vaskunlahti, Under-Secretary of State for External Economic Relations at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and formerly Ambassador of Finland to India and Turkey; and Dr Ailish Campbell, Ambassador of Canada to the European Union and formerly Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister, leading Global Affairs Canada’s team of Trade Commissioners across the world. This insightful and wide ranging conversation reveals the realities of modern diplomacy, the fallout of the war in Ukraine, the complexities of sanctions and trade negotiations, and much more.

This episode was recorded on 9 May 2023 and features:

WIIS Brussels

Discover our organisation and is range of activities and follow us on all media

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Sanctions all around

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:45:38 GMT

Sanctions have become central to the Western response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with ever escalating packages being announced every few weeks, notably by the US and the EU. But sanctions did not start in 2022. Indeed, Russia was first sanctioned over Ukraine in 2014, after it annexed Crimea — and over decades states such as North Korea, Iran, Nicaragua and various others have been subject to a variety of restrictions, bans and many other measures, largely related to economics. As such, sanctions have clearly become a core tool of international statecraft; the question is: do they work?

A large majority of sanctions are economic, for after all: money makes the world go around. Therefore, in order to understand sanctions it is best to talk to economists, and in this episode Ilana Bet-El is joined by Agathe Demarais, Global Forecasting Director at the Economist Intelligence Unit, and Elina Ribakova, nonresident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and Vice President at the Kyiv School of Economics. Join them in a great conversation that starts from basics — what is an economist and the difference between strategy and tactics — and reaches far and wide in the world of economic statecraft and the war in Ukraine. If you want to know if sanctions work, listen closely!

This episode was recorded on 21 April 2023 and features:

Want to learn more? Follow the link to access extra resources from or recommended by our brilliant guests!

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: Everyday is Women’s Day

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:03:33 GMT

International Women’s Day is on 8 March, but for women every day is Women’s Day: work and home, success and failure, families and friends, battles for equality and rights — they may come into focus once a year, but women live them every day.

In this episode of Women Leaders Ilana Bet-El talks to Arancha Gonzalez Laya, who knows much about the rights of women as well as the deliberations of government. Former Foreign Minister of Spain and Assistant Secretary General of the UN, she is currently Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs, a member of Global Women Leaders Voices.

Exploring more historical facts around International Women’s Day, discover why as a young girl in Spain Arancha was fascinated by the European Union and the Spanish perception on international and European affairs. With deep insight, Arancha shares her view on the current transiting word and international system failures, based on her proven experience of governmental deliberations and international institutions.

This episode was recorded on 28th February 2023 and featured:

Want to learn more?

Olympe de Gouges, The declaration of the rights of women (September 1791)
Paris School of International Affairs website
The European Council on Foreign Relations survey mentioned by Arancha - United West, divided from the rest:Global public opinion one year into Russia’s war on Ukraine
UNESCO, Gender equality and education
UN Women, International Women’s Day 2023 « DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality»
Global Women Leaders Voices website

WIIS Brussels

Discover our organisation and is range of activities and follow us on all media

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women Leaders: China All Around

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:42:28 GMT

China is frequently in the news. In fact, it sometimes seems as if it is always in the news – from surveillance balloons over America to international supply chains, and from world governance to world trade, it is always a central issue. Yet in truth, China remains an enigma, or simply unknown, to many.

At the turn of the century and for some years after, China was seen in the west as a potential partner in both economic and governance terms. No more. For the US, it is now the biggest threat to the international system and the only competitor for global leadership. For the EU it is an economic competitor and a systemic rival. In short, in the global north, China is seen increasingly in negative terms. But in the global south the story is slightly different: with its Belt and Road Initiative, that makes no demands for democracy or regime change, and with its immense infrastructure projects — especially in Africa — China has literally bought a lot of fans.

So which is the real China? A threat or a friend? Ilana Bet-El explores this question and many others with two experts on China: Dr Mareike Ohlberg, Senior Fellow in the Asia Program at the Berlin office of the German Marshall Fund; and Dr May-Britt Stumbaum, Team leader on Asia Pacific Security at the Bundeswher University in Munich, and Professional Fellow at the Free University in Berlin. Reflecting on the cultural foundations of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the absolute dominance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the conversation focuses on how China actually works — and what it seeks to attain on the world stage.

The episode was recorded on 2 February 2023, and features:

Works mentioned

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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Women Leaders: The beginning of a new cycle?

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 10:24:07 GMT

Start the year with Ilana Bet-El welcoming her WIIS friends Florence Ferrando, co-producer of the Women Leaders podcast, and Pauline Massart, Partner at Avisa-Partners. This bonus episode was recorded following a conversation in December between the three women, focused on the eventful year that was 2022 and some ideas about 2023.

Looking backwards and forwards, the conversation brings their views on the current global political leadership, how the war in Ukraine is also playing out on social media and impacting our daily lives in so many ways, and the so-called global system.

The episode was recorded on 6 January 2023 and featured:

Pauline Massart: Twitter ; LinkedIn
Florence Ferrando: Twitter ; LinkedIn
Ilana Bet-El ; Linkedin

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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Women & Leadership: Journalism and media in the digital age

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:43:40 GMT

The media and journalism are nowadays commonly assumed to be interchangeable. But in truth, they are truly different: journalism is an honourable profession, dating back at least to the 19th century and devoted to reporting facts and discovering the truth; media are platforms upon which everything from journalism to pure hatred are distributed widely and profoundly. Nevertheless both remain essential to the modern pursuit of power and its daily exercise in our lives — be it political, military, cultural, social and many others. From Covid to wars, government scandals to climate change, we need journalism to bring us the facts, and we need the media to help communicate them.

Women journalists and reporters have long been a strong pillar of the profession and expert media actors. In this December episode Ilana Bet-El, noting her start in journalism in the 1980s, debates its current transformations with Suzanne Lynch, Chief Brussels Correspondent and Associate Editor at Politico Europe and host of its EU Confidential podcast, and Stefanie Bolzen, UK correspondent for Die Welt and Welt am Sonntag.

The conversation explores such issues as what drives people to become journalists (ambition, interest and chance), the differences and synergies between media, journalism and communication, and the sector transformation with the move to digital. Both women also share their behind-the-scenes of different capitals, highlighting the similarities and differences from a reporter's perspective between Brussels, London and Washington and how they navigate between reporting international and foreign news while reaching out to national and global audiences. In a fun and flowing episode there are many ideas, inspirations and gems of advice scattered throughout!

The episode was recorded on 7 December 2022. and featured:

Suzanne Lynch: Twitter ; LinkedIn
Stefanie Bolzen: Twitter ; LinkedIn
Ilana Bet-El ; Linkedin

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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Women & Leadership: Breaking and Making Worlds

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 23:01:48 GMT

When wars end, non-war begins. Negotiations are held and treaties signed, and with luck peace follows. But that is not always the case. On the 11th of November 1918 the First World War finally ended, with an armistice, leaving some 20 million people dead, half of them civilians, and more or less the same number wounded, mostly military. In 1919 the Paris peace Conference followed: a vast event bringing delegations from far and wide, with the purpose of recreating not only Europe but also the world. Empires ended in Paris, and new states were born. Hope was apparent, as was a desire for retribution. In the end, peace was declared — but it would take another, even more horrendous Second World War to attain the shining goal, at least in western Europe and some other parts of the world.

In this episode Ilana Bet-El traces the outlines of these momentous events with Margaret MacMillan, emeritus professor of History at the University of Toronto and an emeritus professor of International History at Oxford University. The author of many significant books on war and peace, she is a world expert on the Paris Peace Conference, having literally written the most significant book on it.

The conversation starts with the point of ending, the armistice — still a day marked with sadness and remembrance in many parts of the world, but also with joy of creation in others. And it moves to the point of beginning, the Paris conference, often thought of as the Versailles Treaty — which dealt with Germany but was only one of five treaties signed in Paris, each dealing with a collapsed empire or region. And all five were brought together into a larger framework, detailing a new system of world governance centred around the League of Nations. It was a visionary moment, but far from simple or coherent; and as the conversation reflects — it has many lessons for our times.

The episode was recorded on 4 November 2022. and featured:

Correction: it was mentioned that the Royal family entered Brussels on 19 November 1918, whereas it was 22 November.

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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Women & Leadership: War in the Neighbourhood

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 13:39:13 GMT

It isn’t possible to evade or even ignore the war in Ukraine: from energy and food prices to the instability of global governance, the fallout is immense, and increasing. The people of Ukraine are suffering the harshest effects, but the surrounding states also feel the war strongly, and in a variety of ways. From waves of Ukrainian immigrants caused by Russia’s aggression to waves of Russians fleeing Putin’s grasp, those living next to the war are far more exposed to its realities than those living further afield.

Ilana Bet-El is joined by two great parliamentarians to discuss these realities: Salome Samadashvili, member of parliament with Lelo for Georgia party and former Ambassador to the EU; and Dovilė Šakalienė, member of parliament for the Social Democrats in Lithuania and a member of its Committee on National Security and Defence.

This hard hitting conversation is about dealing with the immediate impact of the conflict in Lithuania and Georgia, as well as the broader political context — the gaps in reality and politics between east and west in Europe, the difference between being in the EU and NATO, as is the case for Lithuania, and outside it — as is the case for Georgia. More fundamentally, the conversation looks back at mistakes made regarding Russia and European security since the end of the Cold War, and forward to the possibilities of ending the war.

This episode was recorded the 12th October 2022 and featured:

WIIS Brussels

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership: The Nuclear Nexus

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 21:45:00 GMT

After a summer break, the WIIS leadership podcast is back to demystify all matters related to nuclear weapons — which is very necessary, given the escalation in threats emanating from the war in Ukraine. Ilana is joined by two women exceptionally well versed in these issues: Jessica Cox, Director for Nuclear Policy at NATO, and Polina Sinovets, Director of the Odessa Center for Non-Proliferation.

The world of nuclear weapons is very simple to those who deal in it, and baffling to everyone else: what is the difference between nuclear policy and nuclear deterrence? What is the difference between deterrence and non-proliferation? Is there really such a thing as a tactical nuclear weapon? Is a nuclear capability a military or political threat, or both?

This episode takes you through these and other questions, in a fascinating conversation between women who lead on nuclear issues.

This episode was recorded the 5th September 2022 and featured:

Polina Sinovets: ODCNP; Twitter
Jessica Cox: Twitter
Ilana Bet-El

Learn more

Odessa Center for Nonproliferation
New NATO strategic Concept
Russia: Nuclear capabilities, House of Commons Library

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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#E5 - The role of new technology in addressing climate security challenges

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 19:30:00 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experiences and expertise on the many dimensions of climate security.

For the last episode of the miniseries, Sabrine Dao and Sofiia Shevchuk invite Sevim Aktas, Policy Officer at the European Commission, and Elisa Seith, former Situational Awareness Officer at NATO, currently a Client Solution Architect with Jupiter Intelligence.

These two young professionals with a rich professional and technical background share their insight on the topic of technology and its role in addressing the climate crisis and climate security. The topics discussed include boosting "climate literacy", how to assess which technology is our best tool in climate security, and how to stay positive in the fight against climate change.

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

- Sevim Aktas: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Elisa Seith: LinkedIn.

- Sabrine Dao: sdao@wiis-brussels.org

- Sofiia Shevchuk: LinkedIn, Twitter.

Learn more:

Atlantic Forum Autumn Conference: Beyond the Weather panel with Elisa Seith and Sofiia Shevchuk, November 2021 Youtube
EU Energy Transition Brief: Instagram breaking down EU energy & climate topics
The Ministry for the Future, novel by Kim Stanley Robinson, 2020

Credits

Music: Original creation

Production: Sabrine Dao, Fraser Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#E4 - The impact of climate change on the international defense scene

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 19:08:53 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experiences and expertise on the many dimensions of climate security.

For the fourth episode in the miniseries, our hosts Sabrine Dao and Sofiia Shevchuk invite Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, and Katarina Kertysova, Policy Fellow at the European Leadership Network (ELN) and a Wilson Center Global Fellow.

In this episode, we explore the many effects that climate change will have - or is already having - on the international defense scene. From national ministries of defense to NATO, how are these organizations adapting to a world of more extreme weather? Does an organization like NATO have the capacity to fight climate change? How will climate change alter the operational role of militaries? Tune in for the answers to these questions and more.

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

- Benedetta Berti: Website, Linkedin.

- Katarina Kertysova: Website, Linkedin, Twitter.

- Sabrine Dao sdao@wiis-brussels.org

- Sofiia Shevchuk: LinkedIn, Twitter

Credits

Music: Original creation

Production: Sabrine Dao

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#E3 - Multilateral cooperation in addressing the climate's impact on security. Where do we stand?

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 08:20:00 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experience and expertise on the many dimensions of climate security.

In this third episode of the series, Sabrine Dao and Sofiia Shevchuk have invited Mariko Peters, Senior Peace and Conflict Adviser at the European External Action Service, Olivia Lazard, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, and Anniek Barnhoorn, Research Assistant with SIPRI's Climate Change and Risk Programme.

In this episode, our speakers come not only from different generations but also from diverse workplaces and backgrounds to provide a current state of affairs and prospects on the role of such institutions as the EU, OSCE and UN in climate security. Are peace, climate and security connected? Can multilateralism solve both climate change and security threats? Which institution is the most effective these days in tackling climate change?

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

- Mariko Peters: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Anniek Barnhoorn: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Olivia Lazard: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Sabrine Dao: sdao@wiis-brussels.org

- Sofiia Shevchuk: LinkedIn, Twitter.

Learn more on this topic:

- Anniek Barnhoorn’s publication (2022) on Taking Climate Security Forward in the OSCE

- SIPRI Publication (2021) on Reassessment of the European Union’s Response to Climate-related Security Risks

- Olivia Lazard’s Publication (2022) on Russia’s Lesser-Known Intentions in Ukraine

- Olivia Lazard’s TED Talk on The Blind Spots of the Green Energy Transition

Credits

Music: Original creation

Production: Sabrine Dao

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#E2 - The geopolitical and security consequence of climate change

Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:25:32 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experience and expertise on the many dimensions of climate security.

In this second episode, Sabrine Dao and Sofiia Shevchuk have invited Dr Hanne Knaepen, Head of Green Transition and Climate Adaptation with ECDPM and Glada Lahn, Senior Research Fellow for Environment and Society Programme at Chatham House.

To what extent does climate change affect global geopolitics and security? What are the consequences that we can already see? In this discussion, our guests go beyond Europe and touch upon examples from different parts of the world, from Asia and Africa to Latin America.

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

- Glada Lahn: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Hanne Knaepen: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Sofiia Shevchuk: LinkedIn, Twitter.

- Sabrine Dao: sdao@wiis-brussels.org

Learn more by looking at:

- ECDPM Great Insights Magazine (2019) on "The complex link between climate change and conflict" (only women contributed to this publication)

- ECDPM publications for the CASCADES project: "Climate Change and Security in North African (2021)", "Climate risks in Tunisia (2021)", "Climate change, development and security in the Central Sahel (2021)"

- Hanne Knaepen's publication on "Supporting adaptation in African agriculture - A policy shift since the EU Green Deal? (2022)"

Credits

Music: Original creation

Production: Sabrine Dao, Fraser Moore

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#E1 - Bring diverse voices on climate security

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:00:54 GMT

In this miniseries, WIIS Brussels invites women to share their experience and expertise on the multi-dimension of the climate security.

To introduce the journey to capture climate security impact, Sabrine Dao and Sofiia Shevchuk welcome Elizabeth Smith, Research Assistant with the SIPRI Climate Change and Risk Programme, Madeline Babin the Research Associate for Climate Change Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations & Laura Basagni at that time Mediterranean Program Manager at the German Marshall Fund of the United States

Together they are discussing how climate security could be defined, as a holistic and complex problem requiring more diverse voices, and how it is the current representation of women in climate security from their experiences.

Follow and connect with our guests and hosts:

- Elizabeth Smith: LinkedIn, Sipri website

- Madeline Babin: LinkedIn

- Laura Basagni: LinkedIn, Twitter

- Sofiia Shevchuk: LinkedIn, Twitter, website

Learn more by looking at:

- Gender Dimensions of Climate Insecurity by Elisabeth Smith

- Laura Basagni’s publications

Want to be member of WIIS Brussels?

Credits

Music: Original creation

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership: The Shape of the European Union, Past, Present and Future?

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 21:00:00 GMT

There are eternal questions about the European Union: does it lead events or respond to them? does it become weaker or stronger in crises? is it weakened by consensus or strengthened by it? These questions and many others were also repeatedly posed about the Habsburg empire — that lasted 600 years. To discuss the comparison, as well as the broader situation of the EU, Ilana Bet-El welcomes Dr Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome, a former special advisor to the EU High Representatives, and a renown specialist on EU foreign and security affairs; and Caroline de Gruyter, a journalist and writer on EU and international affairs, and most recently an author of a book on the Habsburg empire and the EU.

The episode was recorded on Monday 13 June 2022.

This episodes features:

Ilana Bet-El
Nathalie Tocci IAI; Twitter
Caroline de Gruyter; Bio; Twitter

Want to speak up?

The Women & Leadership podcast team would like to use the show to align with WIIS Brussels Voices DNA, and offer a platform for women to speak up about security, defence and foreign affairs. Have you expertise or experience on these issues in general and on the Ukrainian crisis specifically that you want to share with our communities? Reach out to us at wiisbxlpodcasts@gmail.com.

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership: War, Energy and Strategy

Thu, 12 May 2022 04:30:32 GMT

Energy and energy security have become a key element of the strategic standoff between Russia and Europe — due to the war in Ukraine. To examine this important issue Ilana Bet-El welcomes Dr Katja Yafimava, Senior Research Fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies Gas Research Programme, and Olivera Drazic-Gaubert, Senior Advisor and former head of FIPRA’s Green Transition, Energy & Industrials practice.

Reflecting both practical and academic expertise as to how how energy is extracted, transported and marketed, the three women attempt to untangle the Gordian knot of energy in Europe, notably gas. From the reasons for dependence upon Russian resources to the future of energy in Europe — and Russia — they offer many insights into how politics, geography and economic interests interweave in this most crucial of resources.

The episode was recorded on Thursday 5 May 2022.

This episodes features:

Ilana Bet-El
Katja Yafimava OEI; Twitter
Olivera Drazic-Gaubert Fipra; LinkedIn

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

WIIS Brussels

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership: History and context in the war in Ukraine

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:30:18 GMT

Continuing our journey of seeking historic perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, Ilana Bet-El welcomes Professor Kristina Spohr of the Department of International History at the London School of Economics and Dr Olga Oliker, Director of the Europe and Central Asia Programme at the International Crisis Group.

With their expertise on Russia, Ukraine, the Cold War and the global order, the three women bring out both the complexities of Russian history and identity, and the endemic flaws in the state’s governance — all of which contributed to launching the war of aggression against Ukraine. From facts to narratives, language and memory, the conversation reflects how history is both the hero and the enemy in this war.

The episode was recorded on Sunday 27th March 2022.

This episodes features:

Want to speak up?

This episode being special, the Women & Leadership podcast team would like to use the show to align with WIIS Brussels Voices DNA, and offer a platform for women to speak up about security, defence and foreign affairs. Have you expertise or experience on the Ukrainian crisis that you want to share with our communities? Reach out to us at wiisbxlpodcasts@gmail.com.

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership: A historic 2022 International Women's Day

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:23:37 GMT

8 March 1917 was the first day of the Russian Revolution: it was started by women marching for their rights. 8 March 2022 is day thirteen of the Russian war against Ukraine, with women protecting their families, their lives, their rights.

Upon this historic background, Ilana Bet-El welcomes Rose Gottemoller, former NATO Deputy Secretary General and Steven C. Házy Lecturer at Stanford University Center for International Security and Cooperation. Weaving history with policy and experience, their conversation sheds light on how the West ended up in this situation with Russia, which historical narratives are used by Putin to justify his claims over Ukraine and how this conflict is mainly born from the Ukrainian desire to move towards the European Union and democracy

Looking ahead on the impact of the War, the two women examine the challenges posed to the international rule of law and the European security architecture, and reflect on a basic question: can security arrangements be established in isolation from ideological principles?

The episode was recorded on Monday 7th March 2022.

This episodes features:

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership: Two Ambassadors and NATO

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:00:56 GMT

In keeping with our fast moving times and events in Ukraine, the first episode of the 2022 Women and Leadership podcast is a conversation with two NATO Ambassadors, past and present: Veronika Wand-Danielsson, Head of the Americas Department at the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and formerly Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sweden to NATO, and Muriel Domenach, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to NATO.

In an animated discussion with Ilana Bet-El, the two Ambassadors explore perceptions of defence and security within foreign affairs and how they apply with regard to current tensions between Russia, Ukraine and NATO — and the position of the EU. They also explain how and why they chose the world of defence and security world, their reflections on being a woman NATO Ambassador both now and in previous years, and the question of whether the EU is perceived as feminine on matters of defence.

This episode features:

Ilana Bet-El
Muriel Domenach Twitter
Veronika Wand-Danielsson LinkedIn & twitter

Want to learn more? Explore the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

Elif Shafak, the novelist mentioned by Muriel Domenach (Twitter)
« NATO Engages with partners to help shape the Next Strategic Concept »

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women, younger generations and 1.5°C

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 22:50:00 GMT

In this episode, Sabrine Dao invites new WIIS Campus member and climate security expert Jordan Koop as well as Annika Vollmer, Program Coordinator at the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Marion Russ, Program Officer at Search for Common Ground, to discuss COP26 and why it is important to talk about climate change now. Each share their own point of view on the place of women, the younger generation and underrepresented groups around the table and how the future of climate change high-level discussions should be shaped differently.

This episode features:

Useful links:

WIIS Campus

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Credits

Music : Scott Holmes Music - We Were Dreamers - Carefree Music 2020

Production : Sabrine Dao

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership in a challenging period of transition

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 09:50:07 GMT

For her last episode in 2021, Ilana Bet-El talks to Rosa Balfour, Director of Carnegie Europe, and Corinna Hörst, Guido Goldman Director of Leadership Programs at the German Marshall Fund (GMF).

This conversation covers a wide arc, from the personal to the professional. Starting from their evolution in academe and European affairs to becoming working mothers, these senior women reflect upon the daily realities of working in the Think Tank segment of the Brussels Bubble.

Looking back on 2021, the focus moves to the highlights (and lowlights) of European security, defence and foreign affairs and the many aspects of this ongoing period of change — from relations with the (nearly) new US administration to the impact of generational changes within the EU.

Looking ahead to 2022, the conversation ended with cautious optimism and a hope for a more personal world of meetings beyond screens.

With thanks to all our audience at the end of our first year, the Women & Leadership team wish you all a secure, healthy and happy 2022!

This episode features:

Want to learn more? Explore the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership in EU defence and security debates

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:14:52 GMT

In this new episode Ilana Bet-El welcomes Dr. Hannah Neumann, member of the European Parliament for the Greens and member of its subcommittee on security and defence, and Joanneke Balfoort, Director of Security and Defence Policy at the European External Action Service (EEAS).

This discussion takes us behind the scenes of EU institutions and their debates on defence and security, the realities of women in senior positions in European organisations, and the role of the EU in defence and security. Lots of ideas and insights, and reflections on how women could bring their voices to these debates on a broader basis.

This episode features:

Want to learn more? Explore the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership: Reaching senior positions

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 21:50:59 GMT

In this new episode Ilana Bet-El welcomes Ingrid Gonnissen, Board Member of both European Women on Board and Women on Board Belgium, and Annabelle McLaren-Thomson, Senior Research Associate at headhunting firm Perret-Laver.

Listen to their discussion exploring the realities and challenges of getting women into senior leadership positions, learn from their professional and personal experiences and get useful tips for women at every level: from ensuring entry level networks to reaching the very top!

This episode features:

Want to learn more? Explore the links and resources mentioned in the podcast:

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WIIS Brussels

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership: The Brussels Bubble, consultancy and top jobs

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 06:13:03 GMT

For this summer episode Ilana Bet-El, a founding member of WIIS Brussels and former UN official welcomes two of her WIIS friends: Pauline Massart and Florence Ferrando, both WIIS Steering Committee members and hard working members of the consultancy world.

Enjoy their discussion on how consultancy in Brussels is unique, the reality of being women in this male-dominated bubble, and reality bites on real female leadership.

Happy listening!

This episode features:

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women and Leadership in the United Nations

Wed, 12 May 2021 11:30:41 GMT

In this episode, Ilana Bet-El, a founding member of WIIS Brussels and former UN official welcomes Arora Akanksha, a candidate to become the next UN Secretary General. Challenging all conventions, Ms Akanksha is not a state sponsored candidate — as well as being a woman, of refugee origin, and in her thirties.

Starting with with Ms Akanksha‘s decision to take this brave step, the discussion ranges over issues of age, gender, administration and vision for a different kind of leadership of the United Nations. It also raises questions about She for She: solidarity amongst women, in leadership and far beyond.

This episode features:

You will find below all useful resources mentioned in this episode

Arora Akanksha website
Arora Akanksha Vision Statement
Follow Arora campaign on Twitter & Instagram

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women & Leadership: the Future of the EU

Sat, 08 May 2021 21:45:27 GMT

In this new episode, Ilana Bet-El, one of the founders of WIIS Brussels and former UN official welcomes European Commission Vice-President for Democracy and Demography and Co-Chair of the Conference on the Future of Europe, Dubravka Šuica, and Heather Grabbe, Director of the Open Society Open Society European Policy Institute, to discuss women in leadership.

Arriving respectively from Croatia and United-Kingdom, both women discuss working in the Brussels Bubble in senior positions, from perceptions of leaderships to whether quotas for women work. Looking ahead, the discussion also covers issues of women and gender in the Conference on the Future of Europe — and also important questions on democracy, digital poverty and representation. This is a deep dive into women in Europe on Europe Day!

This episode features:

You will find below all useful resources mentioned in this episode

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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Reflections on UNSCR 1325

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 21:55:49 GMT

In this new episode, Silvia Costante and Eva Ribera invite Dr. Cristiana Lavinia Badulescu, Co-Managing Director of Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP) Brussels, to discuss the lessons learned after 20 years of implementing the UNSCR 1325 and the role that young people can play in being the gender-sensitive leaders of tomorrow. Featured in the podcast, Dr. Daniela Radu, independent researcher and consultant, who offers a nuanced and multi-layered understanding of the UNSCR 1325.

This episode features:

Useful links:

WIIS Campus

YPFP Brussels

Find out more on YPFP Brussels
YPFP Brussels on Twitter
YPFP Brussels on Facebook
YPFP Brussels on LinkedIn
YPFP Brussels on Instagram
YPFP Brussels on YouTube

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Credits

Music : Scott Holmes Music - We Were Dreamers - Carefree Music 2020

Production : Sabrine Dao

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Women & Leadership: is it something special?

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 22:59:03 GMT

In this first new show, Ilana Bet-El, one of the founders of WIIS Brussels & former UN official welcomes Lieutenant General Frances Allen, Military Representative of Canada to the NATO Military Committee, and Dr. Nad’a Kovalčíková, Programme Manager & Fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Brussels, to discuss about women leadership.

Is there something special about women’s leadership style? What are the differences between leadership and management? How are women perceived in leadership positions?

This episode features:

WIIS Brussels

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women in Diplomacy

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:00:01 GMT

In this new episode, Silvia Costante and Sabrine Dao invite Kaltoum Nebbou, founder and president of the Comite diplomatique, to discuss the role of women in diplomacy. Why only a few women enter the diplomatic world? How can we break the glass ceiling in this gendered professional area? Featured in the podcast, Her Excellency Luminita Odobescu, Ambassador of Romania to the European Union, and Her Excellency Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Director general at the European External Action Service, who offer interesting insights about what it is like to be a women diplomat in a fast-changing world.

This episode features:

WIIS Campus:

Comité diplomatique

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Credits

Music : Scott Holmes Music - We Were Dreamers - Carefree Music 2020

Production : Sabrine Dao

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Introducing WIIS Campus

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 22:15:16 GMT

The first episode of the WIIS Campus podcast focuses on the reasons and the individuals behind the project. The board of the association, consisting of five ambitious young women coming from different academic backgrounds and countries - Andreia Rodrigues, Ismérie Goemaere-Barbier and Ellée Civadova, in addition to the two Presidents - explains why community building, skills development and professionalisation matter to them. They present their vision for WIIS Campus and their hopes for the peace and security field in the future.

Benefiting from the support and the trust of its mother association, WIIS Campus aspires to be a bridge between the WIIS Brussels community of established professionals and the next generation of female leaders. WIIS Campus targets soon-to-be and recently graduated women to extend and adapt the activities of WIIS Brussels to the University, through mentoring sessions, policy discussions and community building. From two, then five and now seventeen passionate individuals, the team of WIIS Campus is growing rapidly, so stay connected to not miss out on our future activities!

This episode features:

Useful links regarding content

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Credits

Music : Scott Holmes Music - We Were Dreamers - Carefree Music 2020

Production : Sabrine Dao

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gender & COVID-19 Crisis in Conflicted-Affected Areas

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:45:21 GMT

In this new episode, Florence Ferrando and Sabrine Dao invite Search for Common Ground (Search), the largest peacebuilding organisation in the world, to discuss the Gender impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in conflict affected areas. You will hear the experience and insight of 3 women as gender experts and peacebuilders: Matilda Flemming, Senior Manager, European Affairs & Partnerships, Search’s Swahili Coast Director Judy Kimano and Rim Aljabi Regional Gender Advisor, Middle East & North Africa. What has changed, what will change with the aftermath of an unprecedented pandemic and most importantly, what are the opportunities for women leaving in difficult social, political and economic contexts.

This episode features:

Useful links

"Gender & the COVID-19 Crisis in Conflict-Affected Contexts" paper
United-Nations Policy Brief "The impact of COVID-19 on Women"
"Women and COVID-19" UN Chief Video Message (April 2020)
Search for Common Ground COVID-19 resource hub
"My Peace, Our Future" campaign on possibilities for peace post pandemic
Find out more on Search for Common work with women & girls

WIIS Brussels

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Sabrine Dao, Florence Ferrando

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Where are the Women? A look into gender equality in the European Union institutions

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 22:59:21 GMT

Teri Schultz and Larysa Lacko discuss the issue of gender equality in the European Union institutions with Cristina Gallach, Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Ibero-America and the Caribbean, Christian Leffler, the former Deputy Secretary General for Economic and Global Issues and retired Swedish diplomat, and Corinna Horst, Deputy Director of the Brussels Office of the German Marshall Fund.

In this episode, they address EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell’s recent decisions to fill three out of four high level jobs in the EEAS with men. This led Corinna Horst to write and publish an open letter to EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. There is a long way to go to reach gender equality in staffing in EU institutions – the group discusses ideas on how to do this.

This episode features:

- Teri Schultz

- Larysa Lacko

- Cristina Gallach

- Christian Leffler

- Corinna Horst

Useful links

- Letter to HRVP Borrell

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Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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#E5 - The Alliance in a Digital Age: the view from NATO

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 21:45:52 GMT

This 5-episode series is the result of a project led by WIIS Brussels with 3 others WIIS chapters, which enabled 6 WIIS members from across the globe to attend NATO Engages in December 2019 in London & pair up to co-write policy briefs on key topics for the Alliance.

In this final episode, the 3 papers written by our laureates were with senior NATO stakeholders. Listen to their reactions and reflections on our laureates' recommendations on China, Artificial Intelligence & 5G.

This episode features:

Florence Ferrando
Teri Schultz
Tracey Newell
Vice-Admiral Louise Dedichen
Kevin Schied
Muriel Domenach

Find the policy briefs online:

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Credits

Voice : Pauline Massart

Music : Anthony Ferrando

Production : Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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#E4 - NATO & 5G: Managing "High Risk" Vendors

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 20:45:29 GMT

Listen to the last pear of laureates conclude our overview of each paper published, by looking at challenges and opportunities raised by 5G.

This episode features:

Find the policy briefs online:

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Credits

Voice : Pauline Massart

Music : Anthony Ferrando

Production : Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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#E3 - Artificial Intelligence Is Already Transforming the Alliance

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 21:45:16 GMT

Discover the work of two of our laureates on military uses of Artificial Intelligence and the importance of data.

This episode features:

Find the policy briefs online:

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Credits

Voice : Pauline Massart

Music : Anthony Ferrando

Production : Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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#E2- NATO's Approach Toward China

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 21:45:30 GMT

Discover the work of two of our laureates on the Alliance's evolving approach to China.

This episode features:

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Credits

Voice : Pauline Massart

Music : Anthony Ferrando

Production : Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

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#E1 - Whats's Next for NATO in a Digital Age?

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 08:05:34 GMT

Discover this WIIS initiative & learn more about our candidates!

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Credits

Voice : Pauline Massart

Music : Anthony Ferrando

Production : Free Range Productions, Florence Ferrando

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer

Sun, 14 Jun 2020 18:05:12 GMT

Women in International Security (WIIS) Brussels has its own a podcast channel #WIISBrusselsVoices

This podcast strengthens and diversifies women's voices on international security issues, and provides a platform to address today's hard-hitting questions through interviews, panel discussions and news analysis.

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If you'd like to become a WIIS Brussels member, partner or volunteer, click here

Credits

Voices: Isabelle François, Larysa Lacko, Pauline Massart, Florence Ferrando, Fraser Moore

Music: freemusicarchive.org

Production: Sabrine Dao

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.