Gender and International Security

CSIS's Smart Women, Smart Power Project leads research that uses gender as a lens for better understanding international relations and national security challenges – and discern ways through which the national security, foreign policy and business communities can better advance gender equity in their decision-making structures.

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Photo: SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: SIMON MAINA/AFP via Getty Images

Power and Parity: Women in African Political Positions

In about 30 years since 1995, the representation of women in parliament has increased from 9.8 percent to 27.1 percent. These gains have come with friction, but to deepen and sustain the advancement of women in political positions, it is important to expand access and opportunity.

Blog Post by Khasai Makhulo — May 28, 2025

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Kathleen Mcinnis
Director, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department