Mar 15, 2024 | Inside Thomson Reuters

Increasing the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peacemaking, conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts is a key priority for the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA).  March marks Women’s History month, and it presents a timely opportunity to reflect on how Thomson Reuters is supporting women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making.

A recent example of this work is where Thomson Reuters Social Impact Institute hosted a Women, Peace and Securities panel as part of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Week. I partnered with Renata Parras, ESG Counsel, Paul Hastings LLP to convene representatives from government, the justice sector, diplomacy, law enforcement and military to discuss how they can drive and support the presence of women in key roles that uphold democracy and the rule of law.

The room was filled with women of different ages and nationalities, all in positions of influence in various public and private sectors, and they were also joined by male champions for Women, Peace and Security. The lively, and often moving, discussion centered on personal work journeys, including both positive anecdotes and challenges women face, the importance of women in security roles and the unique experience and perspective they bring.

Equally important is the role of support and connections. The speakers discussed the need for women to support each other in these male dominated environments. In addition, having male allies is also helpful in getting women a seat at the table, validating their ideas and helping to promote them into positions of power. One of the attendees commented that it was “An amazing gathering – if I can be so moved hearing these stories then if we can share more broadly…to create more opportunities.” At the end of the session, the speakers pledged to use the connections made through this event to better their causes and goals.

Some of the key takeaways and outcomes from the session include:
•    Data is key – Currently there is a lack of data on women’s outcomes: How can we leverage the data that lives in both the public and private sector to get a better picture?
•    Interagency communication across government – It’s surprising how little communication goes on across federal, state, government agencies, military etc.  Bringing this group together to create and continue connections and share stories and best practice was a great opportunity
•    Possible outcome – The group committed to coming up with a list of guiding principles to share and practice.

Women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is essential to achieve peace and security goals, as well as protecting women’s and girls’ human rights, leading to a better outcome for all. Thomson Reuters, TRSS and Paul Hastings are proud to support this critical work, in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact.

Learn more about Thomson Reuters’ pillar on Women, Peace and Security.

Organizations who participated in the Roundtable:

• Thomson Reuters (host)
• Paul Hastings, LLP (host)
• United Nations Global Compact
• United Nations Women
• U.S. Department of Defense
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Citibank Corporation
• New York Police Department (NYPD)
• Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE)
• Office of the Governor of the State of New York
• King’s County District Attorney’s Office
• Sisters of Service
• Committed to Good
• The McCain Institute for International Leadership at ASU
• City of Houston
• U.S. Army
• Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
• Chazak Consulting LLC
• Zeichner Ellman & Krause LLP
• Former Afghan Ambassador to the US
• Former Afghan National Female Tactical Platoon