WIIS Brussels Voices

WIIS Brussels

Welcome to WIIS Brussels Voices where we strengthen and diversify female voices on international security by giving a new platform to tackle hard-hitting questions on security, defence and international security topics from Brussels bubble and beyond. Listen to our different shows and formats with topic-matter series and our regular show Women Leaders to hear women debunk key topics, because there is plenty of wise women. Brought to you by the Women in International Security Brussels Chapter (WIIS - pronouncer 'wise').  Want to learn more? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook for updates on WIIS Brussels activities. Support us by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and any of your favorite podcast application, and contribute to the conversation with your reviews and comments! Visit our website to learn about our trainings and events, our mentoring program and so much more at wiis-brussels.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 01/13/2025

    Consultation on Women & Security

    WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – and for the second time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast. Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In December, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together online for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective. In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features three incredible women working on security: Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, Ayisha Mohammed, and Rakiba Mohammed. This episode was recorded on December 19, 2024 and features: Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, a dedicated community activist and leader with a deep commitment to social change and empowerment. Rooted in African traditions, she serves as a spiritual healer and herbalist, drawing on ancestral knowledge to promote holistic well-being and cultural preservation.Ayisha Mohammed, a passionate youth activist and mental health advocate with a strong focus on community development, empowerment, and education. She is the Deputy Director and Facilitator at Achievers Ghana, an NGO that supports the empowerment of girls by providing access to quality education, leadership development, and technology training. In addition, Ayisha serves as Operations Manager and trainer at Yepafrica, an organization committed to empowering young people to create positive change in their communities. Rakiba Mohammed from Nima, a popular slum in Accra, Ghana. She is a cybersecurity analyst who is passionate about bridging the tech gap between the rural and urban areas, deeply committed to empowering young women in underserved communities with technology education, making cybersecurity accessible, and fostering an inclusive and diverse future where everyone has the tools to thrive in the digital world.Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels. In this episode, Matilda, Ayisha and Rakiba share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all. Credits Music: free from copyright  Production: teevee.studio This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them: WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedInSpotifyOpinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Consultation on Women & Security
  2. 11/12/2024

    Consultation on Women & Security

    WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – focusing on migrant, refugee, and exile activists – and for the first time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast. Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In September, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective. In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features two incredible women defending the rights of refugees, migrants, and exiles: Silsila Mahboub and Seyran Khalili. This episode was recorded on September 12 2024 and features: Silsila Mahboub, an Afghan refugee living in Bulgaria, is an activist, human rights defender, entrepreneur, and public speaker who has dedicated her life to advocating for refugee women's rights in Europe. Seyran Khalili, a Kurdish-Norwegian human rights activist and a program manager at New Women Connectors,  a social change movement that advocates for feminist ideals, and is led by migrant and refugee women who share common experiences and strengths.Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels.  In this episode, Silsila and Seyran share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all. Credits Music: free from copyright  Production: teevee.studio This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them: WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedInSpotifyOpinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Consultation on Women & Security
  3. 11/21/2023

    Women Leaders: Africa All Around

    As the world grapples with the ructions of recent global disorder, focus has often turned to the global south and its reactions. Notably, the African continent has become of great interest, not least because of its varied positions on events in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside the manifest attempts of China, Russia, the US and the EU to garner support and attention. Africa is a continent of 54 separate states, with over 18% of the global population — so the mere attempt to speak of it as a whole is flawed. From regions to states, each faces unique challenges. Equally, while some states remain stable over time, others have been prone to descend into disorder. From August 2022 to 2023, there were a staggering seven military coups, largely in the Sahel region, creating a ripple effect of fear and concerns about contagion. To better understand the continent, the coups and the potentials, Ilana Bet-El hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Comfort Ero, President and CEO at the International Crisis Group, and Nina Wilén, Director of the Africa Program at Egmont, Royal Institute for International Relations. Both women leaders bring extensive experience and fascinating insights to navigate the rhyme and reason of the continent; the eternal problems of governing and governance; the difference between military and constitutional coups and the reasons why citizens of African states have both embraced and rejected them; the role and potential of the African Union with a seat at the G20; and the over-hyped position of Russia in Africa. This episode was recorded on November 14 2023 and features: Ilana Bet-El Comfort Ero LinkedIn & TwitterNina Wilén LinkedIn & Twitter Curious to learn more? Follow the link for more resources from our guests! Credits Music: Free from copyright Production: Florence Ferrando This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them: WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedInSpotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Women Leaders: Africa All Around
  4. 10/25/2023

    Women Leaders: Latin America on the Global Stage — Missing In Action?

    Historians of the future will spend much time deciding whether we entered the world of disorder in the Covid pandemic or because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 or because of worsening US-China relations or because of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October — or because of many other reasons. However, when they come to analyse the events, they will find the voice of Latin America was relatively absent from the global stage, or indeed in the multilateral institutions such as the UN. This is an anomaly, as nearly 10% of the global population live in Latin America, and over centuries many exceptional people have emerged from the continent to contribute much to the global good. Two such exceptional women are María Ángela Holguín, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and Jessica Faieta, a native of Ecuador and former UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. They join Ilana Bet-El in a deep and wide ranging discussion about the continent — from the difficulties of women gaining high office in some states to the perceived absence of leadership in many Latina states, the declining state of democracy and the immense rise in violence and homicide related to drug wars and trafficking. They also reflect on the perceptions of global affairs in Latin America — from the war against Ukraine to the rise of China and its interests in Latin America to the decline of the UN. It is a fascinating and important perspective on the world. This episode was recorded on 18 October 2023, and features: Ilana Bet-El Jessica Faieta, LinkedIn & TwitterMaría Ángela Holguín Cuellar  Want to learn more? WIIS Global report: Enhancing Security - Women’s Participation in the Security Forces in Latin America and the Caribbean Credits Music: Free from copyright Production: Florence Ferrando This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them: WebsiteTwitterInstagramLinkedInSpotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Women Leaders: Latin America on the Global Stage — Missing In Action?

About

Welcome to WIIS Brussels Voices where we strengthen and diversify female voices on international security by giving a new platform to tackle hard-hitting questions on security, defence and international security topics from Brussels bubble and beyond. Listen to our different shows and formats with topic-matter series and our regular show Women Leaders to hear women debunk key topics, because there is plenty of wise women. Brought to you by the Women in International Security Brussels Chapter (WIIS - pronouncer 'wise').  Want to learn more? Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook for updates on WIIS Brussels activities. Support us by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and any of your favorite podcast application, and contribute to the conversation with your reviews and comments! Visit our website to learn about our trainings and events, our mentoring program and so much more at wiis-brussels.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.