Gender and Youth

Africa’s youth boom and the increasing inclusion of women in global economies are reshaping how foreign policy decisions are made. CSIS experts study how women’s rights, youth empowerment, and diverse populations of decisionmakers can impact foreign policy for a new global generation.

Photo: Gerald Anderson/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Photo: Gerald Anderson/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

USAID Youth Engagement: A Potential Generation Lost?

The halting of USAID’s youth programming represents a critical inflection point for U.S. development policy. The termination risks reversing gains in employment, social cohesion, and civic participation that underpin economic and democratic resilience.

Commentary by Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025

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Past Events

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Photo: Atstock Productions/Adobe Stock

Take a Chance on Mentorship

September 4, 2024 • 10:00 – 10:30 am EDT
Hosted by Smart Women, Smart Power
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Experts

Hadeil Ali

Hadeil Ali

Chief of Staff, Global Development Department and Director, Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program
Katherine E. Bliss

Katherine E. Bliss

Director and Senior Fellow, Immunizations and Health Systems Resilience, Global Health Policy Center
Romina Bandura

Romina Bandura

Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development

All Gender and Youth Content

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USAID Youth Engagement: A Potential Generation Lost?

The halting of USAID’s youth programming represents a critical inflection point for U.S. development policy. The termination risks reversing gains in employment, social cohesion, and civic participation that underpin economic and democratic resilience.

Commentary by Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025

Why the Women, Peace, and Security Act Strengthens U.S. Defense Strategy

The Women, Peace, and Security Act programs implemented by the Department of Defense already comport with Trump administration policy. Put simply, WPS provides the DOD with a toolkit to make the joint force more tactically effective and strategically capable.

Critical Questions by Kathleen McInnis — February 11, 2025

Driving Impact

From Local to Global: Leading USAID's Global Mission for Impact

Please join the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project (DLIA) for the sixth and final episode of Driving Impact Season 2 with Clinton D. White, Counselor of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Podcast Episode by Hadeil Ali — November 19, 2024

Photo: iLab/CSIS

Women: Mission Essential Personnel

Women in the joint force are a decisive U.S. advantage. In a strategic environment wherein China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are learning from each other, the joint force needs every advantage it can get if the Trump administration intends to defend U.S. interests.

Commentary by Kathleen McInnis — November 18, 2024

Countering China and Russia: The Hidden Advantages of Women, Peace, and Security

Gender perspectives can be better utilized to identify means to more effectively collaborate with partner nations and strengthen U.S. deterrence. This brief argues that the Women, Peace, and Security tool kit should be utilized as a strategic enabler for DoD activities.

Brief by Kathleen McInnis, Benjamin Jensen, Audrey Aldisert, and Alexis Day — November 14, 2024

Driving Impact

Commanding Change: From Military Service to Leading Veterans Affairs

Please join the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project (DLIA) for the fifth episode of Driving Impact Season 2 with the Honorable Tanya Bradsher. Hear about her journey in the military as a combat veteran and how she became the first Black woman to serve as Deputy Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Podcast Episode by Hadeil Ali — November 5, 2024

Photo: iLab/CSIS
Driving Impact

How Admiral Levine is Transforming Inclusive Health | Driving Impact

Please join the Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Project (DLIA) for the fourth episode of Driving Impact Season 2 with Admiral Rachel L. Levine. Learn about her journey as the highest-ranking openly transgender government official, her service-oriented career, and her advocacy for equitable healthcare access for all Americans.

Podcast Episode by Hadeil Ali — October 22, 2024

Photo: iLab/CSIS