Reimagining Security for the 21st Century
Women Transforming Global Security represents a groundbreaking alliance of distinguished women leaders pioneering a comprehensive framework for addressing interconnected global threats. We unite the expertise of former heads of state, senior policymakers, and emerging leaders to advance feminist principles of collaborative problem-solving, long-term thinking, and collective intelligence in service of human and planetary security.
Women Transforming Global Security launched on September 21, 2025, at a lively gathering in New York City, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace & Security.
The enthusiasm from the launch persists both from those who attended the event, as well as those who have learned about WTGS since. More is coming soon for WTGS: development of this website, information for those seeking to get involved, and the incredible story of how WTGS came to be.
Our Core Conviction
Traditional security approaches have proven insufficient for the convergent challenges of nuclear weapons, climate change, emerging technologies, democratic erosion, and threats to human rights. When women leaders apply feminist approaches to security challenges, breakthrough solutions emerge that transcend conventional boundaries and prioritize sustainable outcomes over short-term gains.
Our Mission
WTGS seeks to transform how the international community approaches existential threats by centering women’s leadership, breaking down institutional silos, and creating accountability mechanisms that serve current and future generations.
Research Foundation: Our approach builds on comprehensive analysis of existing women's leadership networks, examining successful models across 23 organizations with combined budgets ranging from $120,000 to $3.2 million annually. We apply evidence-based best practices while innovating beyond current limitations.
Distinguished Leadership and Institutional Backing
Our initiative represents an unprecedented collaboration between The Elders, Ploughshares, and Horizon 2045—organizations united in their commitment to women’s leadership and breakthrough thinking at the intersection of global challenges.
Our Core Conviction
Traditional security approaches have proven insufficient for the convergent challenges of nuclear weapons, climate change, emerging technologies, democratic erosion, and threats to human rights. When women leaders apply feminist approaches to security challenges, breakthrough solutions emerge that transcend conventional boundaries and prioritize sustainable outcomes over short-term gains.
Our Mission
WTGS seeks to transform how the international community approaches existential threats by centering women’s leadership, breaking down institutional silos, and creating accountability mechanisms that serve current and future generations.
Research Foundation: Our approach builds on comprehensive analysis of existing women's leadership networks, examining successful models across 23 organizations with combined budgets ranging from $120,000 to $3.2 million annually. We apply evidence-based best practices while innovating beyond current limitations.
Distinguished Leadership and Institutional Backing
Our initiative represents an unprecedented collaboration between The Elders, Ploughshares, and Horizon 2045—organizations united in their commitment to women’s leadership and breakthrough thinking at the intersection of global challenges.
Founding Sponsors
Mary Robinson
Former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Helen Clark
Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Dr. Emma Belcher
President of Ploughshares
Erika Gregory
President of Horizon 2045
Institutional Excellence: Our backbone organizations bring proven track records
- Ploughshares: Decades of innovation in nuclear weapons threat reduction funding
- Horizon 2045: Strategic expertise in organizational development, complex systems change and strategic foresight
- The Elders: Global influence through moral leadership on critical international issues
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Support our Work
Help catalyze a network that multiplies impact across nuclear risk reduction, climate action, AI governance, democracy, and human rights.