On International Women’s Day 2024, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Women in Defence and Security Network (WDSN), in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia, hosted a roundtable centered around this year’s International Womens Day theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

Chaired by Ms. Gai Brodtmann, ASPI Council Chair, the event convened ambassadors, high commissioners, and senior representatives from the diplomatic corps, civil society, and government to discuss how we can invest in and accelerate the progress of women in national security and international affairs.

Her Excellency Ms. Betty Pavelich, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia and His Excellency Mr. Gabriel Visentin, EU Ambassador to Australia provided opening remarks, and attendees discussed the progress that has been made, the barriers that exist across different contexts, and how international partners can collaborate to progress women’s participation in politics, government and leadership positions.

Attendees also discussed the Women, Peace and Security agenda and gender equality, including the barriers that exist in achieving gender equality, and different strategies that can be implemented at all levels, from organisational and local, to the international level, to overcome obstacles and continue progress on women’s advancement and participation in this space.