Jen Wittwer, CSM, FAHRI is an esteemed international consultant, author and speaker specialising in gender equality, gender mainstreaming, and the global women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. For over 20 years, Jen has significantly impacted the ADF and the broader national and international defence sectors by developing leadership, mentoring and network programs to advance women’s representation and participation. Notably, she served as the first ADF Gender Adviser to NATO operations in Afghanistan, led the implementation of Australia’s National Action Plan on WPS in the ADF, and served as the first Military Adviser to UN Women in New York, supporting its global security sector gender mainstreaming programs.

Since 2018, Jen has independently consulted for UN Women in Ukraine, Jordan and New York, as well as Gender Associations International Consulting, focusing on gender and WPS training frameworks, gender mainstreaming strategies and leadership modules for military women peacekeepers. Jen has been extensively published in prestigious journals and platforms, and her book, Against the wind, highlights women’s experiences in male-dominated professions. Currently a PhD candidate at Monash University’s Centre for Global Peace and Security, Jen also holds multiple advanced degrees and has served on various influential boards, underscoring her commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in peace and security.