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Women, Peace, and Security Symposium

For many years, the U.S. Navy has emphasized gender equality, and has hosted the women’s symposium as a component of various exercises and programs. Per the Department of Defense, the Women, Peace and Security initiative drives home a point that American military planners instinctively know: empowering women is the key to a more peaceful world.

April 27, 2023 – U.S. Naval War College Hosts Women, Peace, and Security Symposium
NEWPORT, RI – U.S. Naval War College (NWC) hosts its 9th annual Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Symposium, 26 – 28 April 2023. This year’s theme “WPS in a Fragile World: Perspectives on Warfighting, Crisis Management, and Post-Conflict Transitions” brought together U.S. and international scholars, researchers, civilian and military practitioners, and leaders to share their knowledge centered around the gender perspective. Established in 1884, U.S. Naval War College (NWC) informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage. (Navy photo by Kristopher Burris/Released)

About Women, Peace, and Security Symposium

The Women, Peace and Security brings together U.S. and international scholars, researchers, civilian and military practitioners, and leaders to share their knowledge on warfighting and conflict resolution focusing on the gender perspective. The aim is to better understand our complex and dynamic security environment by examining women’s influence and experience as stakeholders and catalysts of change – alongside men.

Upcoming Event

Upcoming conferences will hold discussions and exchange ideas, philosophies, and practical experience about a variety of subjects related to the 2011 National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.

U.S. Naval War College 2024 Women, Peace, and Security Symposium

Thursday, May 02-03, 2024
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Rd, Newport, RI 02841

The Naval War College (NWC) will host its 10th annual Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Conference, May 2-3, 2024, in Newport, Rhode Island. This year's theme is "Advancing Gendered Security in a Complex World: Hard Power, Smart Power, Soft Power."

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U.S. Naval War College with cherry blossoms

U.S. Naval War College 2023 Women, Peace and Security Symposium

Wednesday, April 26-28, 2023
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The Naval War College (NWC) will host its 9th annual Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Symposium, 26-28 April 2023, in Newport, Rhode Island. This year's theme is "Women, Peace, and Security in a Fragile World: Perspectives on Warfighting, Crisis Management, and Post-Conflict Transitions."

U.S. Naval War College in spring with yellow flowers

U.S. Naval War College Women, Peace, and Security Symposium 2022

Thursday, April 07-08, 2022
8:30 a.m.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The theme for this year's symposium is “Women, Peace, and Security and Organizational Culture: Creating Lasting Change.” This will be hybrid event with keynote, guest speakers and panelists presenting in person. An option for participation via Zoom will be available.

Photo of panelists discussing education at U.S. Naval War College's 6th annual Women, Peace and Security Conference.

Naval War College, Brown University co-host Women, Peace, Security conference

Thursday, May 31-01, 2018
8:00 a.m.
Brown University, 54 College Street, Providence, RI 02912

U.S. Naval War College hosted its 6th annual Women, Peace and Security Conference in partnership with Brown University's A. Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy, May 31 to June 1, at Brown's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs in Providence, Rhode Island.

Swanee Hunt, the Eleanor Roosevelt lecturer in public policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, delivers her lecture “Inclusive Security: Vital or Vacuous?” at the U.S. Naval War College.

Women, Peace, and Security Conference Series: 1st Conference

Friday, March 30, 2012
8:00 a.m.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The purpose of this conference was to hold discussions and exchange ideas, philosophies and practical experience about a variety of subjects related to the December 19, 2011 National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAP).

Retired Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates addresses participants of the Women, Peace and Security conference in Mahan Hall at U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, R.I.

Women, Peace, and Security Conference Series: 2nd Conference

Thursday, December 12, 2013
8:00 a.m.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The purpose of the 2013 conference was to hold discussions related to the implementation and sustainment of the December 19, 2011 NAP on Women, Peace, and Security.