Visiting Shapiro Professor Essay Competition
Women, Peace, and Security: Adding Your Voice to National Strategy
On October 6, 2017, the U.S. Women, Peace and Security Act of 2017 was signed into law by President Trump. The Act requires training for appropriate government personnel on women, peace, and security issues, encourages talks with stakeholders regarding women’s participation in peace processes, and mandates the President to submit a National Strategy on Women, Peace and Security to Congress. In June 2019, the U.S. released The National Strategy on Women Peace and Security, with the Trump administration calling it the first of its kind.
The National Strategy outlines four primary lines of effort:
Seek and support the preparation and meaningful participation of women around the world in decision-making processes related to conflict and crises;
Promote the protection of women and girls’ human rights; access to humanitarian assistance; and safety from violence, abuse, and exploitation around the world;
Adjust United States international programs to improve outcomes in equality for, and the empowerment of women
Encourage partner governments to adopt policies, plans, and capacity to improve the meaningful participation of women in processes connected to peace and security and decision-making institutions.
Though the National Strategy is a major step for the United States, the implementation plans are pending. The strategy leaves room for subsequent decisions such as: Should a single government agency have jurisdiction of planning? Should implementation be a joint-agency effort? What steps should organizations and agencies take to make the strategy an actionable document? What should the government do to implement the U.S. National Strategy to Women Peace and Security?
Your thoughts could help the government move from ideas to concrete practice.
If you want to make the world a more equal, safe and just place for women and girls then, please submit an essay that discusses the strategy and an implementation plan. Essays should be a 5 page, single-spaced, 12 sized Times New Roman font. All pieces are to be submitted to ebaganza@gwu.edu with the subject line: Shapiro Essay Competition. This is open to all George Washington University students. Only one entry per student is allowed, and double entries will be disqualified. This competition will be open from 18 November 2019 to 22 February 2020.
The winning student will be the recipient of a $500 prize and the opportunity to present their essay at the George Washington University Women Peace and Security Conference to be held 5 March 2020. We look forward to reading your ideas and hearing your perspectives.
