WIIS Brussels

Startpagina
België
Brussels
WIIS Brussels

WIIS is dedicated to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international peace and security.

Women In International Security (WIIS – pronounced ‘wise’) in Brussels is an independent, non-partisan network organization, registered under Belgian law. It belongs to the world-wide family of WIIS chapters which are all dedicated to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the field of international peace and security. WIIS Brussels promotes leadership training, mentorin

g, and networking programs as well as intellectual diversity through discussions on current policy challenges.

05/06/2026

🌟 WIIS Brussels Summer Happy Hour 🌟

Ready to expand your network and connect with inspiring professionals?
Join us on 17 June for the WIIS Brussels Summer Happy Hour! 🎉✨
Whether you're a long-time member of the community or joining us for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a welcoming atmosphere.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
⏰ Time: 18:30–20:30
📍 Location: Shared with confirmed participants
⚠️ Only 30 spots are available!
👉 Register before 13 June:
https://buff.ly/H0RNbt0

We can't wait to see you there! 💬🍹

25/05/2026

📣 Join WIIS Brussels for an interactive workshop with Dorothy Dalton on creating an impactful CV for women in international security.

Dorothy Dalton is a global talent strategist, certified coach, keynote speaker, and CEO of 3Plus International. With extensive international experience, she has coached thousands of professionals into leadership roles worldwide.

✨ During this session, participants will learn how to:

• Capture recruiters’ attention quickly
• Showcase achievements effectively
• Avoid common CV mistakes
• Tailor CVs to specific opportunities in international security

📅 Monday, June 8th, 2026
⏰ 18:30 – 20:30
📍 The Nine, Rue Archimède 69, 1000 Brussels

Reserved for WIIS Brussels members. Limited seats available.

🔗 Register here: https://buff.ly/ELtF1VZ

20/05/2026

🎤 What an inspiring gathering!

WIIS Brussels hosted a new edition of its “Conversations With” series featuring Dora Meredith, Director of ODI Europe, for a dynamic and thought-provoking exchange held under the Chatham House Rule.

Moderated by Yamila Castro, the discussion explored the role of research, evidence-based analysis and strategic foresight in today’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

Key themes included:

🔹 Research and evidence-based policymaking
🔹 Policy, events and institutions in the Brussels ecosystem
🔹 Security, digital policy and international affairs
🔹 Women’s leadership and gender empowerment
🔹 Dialogue, mentorship and professional networks

More than a panel discussion, the session offered an informal and welcoming space for candid reflection, active exchange and meaningful connections across the WIIS Brussels community.

A heartfelt thank you to Dora Meredith and to all participants for such a rich and engaging discussion. 🙏✨

15/05/2026

🎤 WIIS Brussels was delighted to convene a timely and thought-provoking “Conversations With” session featuring Aude Maio-Coliche, Ambassador for Equality and Deputy Managing Director for Africa at the EEAS.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, and introduced by WIIS Brussels President Isabelle Montoya and moderated by Mona Koehler-Schindler, Secretary General of WIIS Brussels, the discussion offered valuable reflections on equality and inclusive participation, the implementation of the agenda, women in EU CSDP missions and operations, diplomacy, consensus-building, and multilateralism.

The conversation took place in an atmosphere of trust and respect, allowing for sincere exchanges and the sharing of experiences, perspectives, and knowledge among participants.

We warmly thank the WIIS Brussels community for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions, which made this discussion particularly rich and meaningful.

A few moments from the evening below ⬇️

03/05/2026

📢 You’re invited!

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming WIIS Brussels « Conversations With » session featuring Dora Meredith Director of ODI EUROPE.

What does it take for women to shape policy and influence debates in today’s global landscape?

📅 Wednesday, 20 May 2026
🕒 18:30-20:00
📍 In person

In a small, off-the-record setting, this exchange will bring together women working across policy, international cooperation, and security-related fields in Brussels for a candid discussion of how influence is built.

Drawing on Dora’s experience leading a major think tank and working across government and international networks, the conversation will explore:

🔹How ideas translate into policy, including on issues such as fragility, security and gender equality
🔹How institutions and policy communities interact in Brussels
🔹What it takes to navigate these spaces and shape meaningful contributions as a woman

It will also reflect on the people, choices and experiences that shape leadership journeys over time.

💬 Not a panel, not a lecture, but a space for open exchange, direct engagement and shared reflection across the WIIS community.

➡️ Limited seats available
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eTJ3KFud

Participation is open to WIIS Brussels members.

Attendance and venue details will be shared upon confirmation by email by the WIIS Brussels team.

🌟If you are not yet a WIIS Brussels member, we would be delighted to welcome you to our network.

22/04/2026

📢 You’re invited!

We are pleased to announce the new date for the WIIS Brussels “Conversations With” session featuring Aude Maio-Coliche Ambassador for Equality and Deputy Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service.

📅 Tuesday, 12 May 2026
🕰️ 6:30PM CET (Brussels)
📍 In person

About the speaker:

Aude Maio-Coliche has extensive experience in EU foreign affairs, diplomatic relations, and strategic communication, having served as an EU Ambassador in Latin America and having been responsible for relations with African partners.

In the current geopolitical context, and in light of the preparations for the next EU Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security to be approved in 2027, Aude Maio-Coliche will assess the implementation of the current Action Plan and discuss how its actions can be articulated with the EU Action Plan on Gender Equality as one of the core principles of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

This session will offer participants the opportunity to:

🔹Exchange on how best to address and implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda in a context of conflicts in the EU neighbourhood and threats to multilateralism and to a rules-based international order
🔹Learn from her career journey and hands-on experience in EU diplomacy, multilateralism, and strategic communication
🔹Ask questions and engage in an open, relaxed, and interactive discussion

Designed as an off-the-record, community-focused exchange, the Conversations With series explores, through collective reflection, how to create the conditions for security beyond traditional concepts and structures.

➡️ Limited seats available

🔗 Register here:

https://wiis-brussels.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6b75db4567781087eaec45b8f&id=4df995db0c&e=e5edc0dcf0

Participation is open to WIIS Brussels members.

Attendance and venue details will be shared upon confirmation by email by the WIIS Brussels team.

🌟If you are not yet a WIIS Brussels member, we would be delighted to welcome you to our network.

17/04/2026

🎤 WIIS Brussels was delighted to convene a “Conversations with Afghan Women Leaders” session in Brussels, in cooperation with WIIS Italy and kindly hosted by KAS Multinational Development Policy Dialogue - Brussels

Mona Koehler-Schindler, Secretary General of WIIS Brussels, delivered opening remarks and moderated the discussion.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the roundtable brought together Afghan women leaders and a select group of senior experts and stakeholders for a meaningful and forward-looking exchange.

At the heart of the discussion, the Afghan women leaders’ delegation shared valuable, first-hand perspectives, grounding the exchange in lived experience and current realities.

The discussions addressed the current political, security, and human rights situation in Afghanistan, with particular focus on:

🔹The impact on women and girls’ access to education, healthcare, and participation in public life
🔹Challenges related to economic opportunities and inclusion
🔹The humanitarian and climate-related crisis affecting the country
🔹Broader considerations related to social and economic resilience

The Afghan delegation shared important updates on the human rights situation, as well as concrete, experience-based recommendations, contributing valuable insights to ongoing European and international discussions.

📌 This exchange highlighted the importance of ensuring that Afghan women’s perspectives continue to inform international dialogue and policy considerations.

A warm thank you to KAS Multinational Development Policy Dialogue - Brussels for hosting, to WIIS Italy for the excellent cooperation, to the Afghan delegation for their inspiring and insightful contributions, and to all participants for this meaningful exchange.

Mona Koehler-Schindler Olaf Wientzek Loredana Teodorescu, PhD Caro Verbruggen

15/04/2026

We had a fantastic and highly engaging training session with Rosanna Kurrer at The Nine.

The session highlighted how cybersecurity has evolved beyond a purely technical topic, it is now a strategic priority, closely linked to trust-based societies, digital sovereignty, and geopolitics.

With AI and automation rapidly transforming the threat landscape, one message came through strongly: cyber resilience is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing process that depends on the alignment of people, processes, and technology.
One particularly interesting takeaway was the importance of interdisciplinary profiles, and how cybersecurity is becoming increasingly accessible to those from non-technical backgrounds.

The engagement in the room was incredible. A truly inspiring session that reflects the growing importance of diverse talent in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

06/04/2026

A few days ago, we celebrated the Spring Happy Hour of Women in International Security (WIIS) in Brussels (WIIS Brussels).

An inspiring and truly successful evening, bringing together a diverse community from institutions, associations, and universities — a powerful cross-generational and cross-sectoral mix.

Moments like this remind us of the strength of connection and the impact of coming together.

03/04/2026

Postponed: The WIIS Brussels “Conversations With” session with Aude Maio-Coliche has been postponed due to scheduling constraints.
A new date will be announced shortly.
Thank you for your understanding.

🎤You’re invited!

We are delighted to invite you to our upcoming WIIS Brussels « Conversations With » session featuring Aude Maio-Coliche Ambassador for Equality and Deputy Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service.

📅 Wednesday, 22 April 2026
🕰️ 6:30PM CET (Brussels)
📍 In person

About the speaker:

Aude Maio-Coliche has extensive experience in EU foreign affairs, diplomatic relations, and strategic communication, having served as an EU Ambassador in Latin America and having been responsible for relations with African partners.

In the current geopolitical context, and in light of the preparations for the next EU Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security to be approved in 2027, Aude Maio-Coliche will assess the implementation of the current Action Plan and discuss how its actions can be articulated with the EU Action Plan on Gender Equality as one of the core principles of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

This session will offer participants the opportunity to:

🔹Exchange on how best to address and implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda in a context of conflicts in the EU neighbourhood and threats to multilateralism and to a rules-based international order
🔹Learn from her career journey and hands-on experience in EU diplomacy, multilateralism, and strategic communication
🔹Ask questions and engage in an open, relaxed, and interactive discussion

Designed as an off-the-record, community-focused exchange, the Conversations With series explores, through collective reflection, how to create the conditions for security beyond traditional concepts and structures.

➡️ Limited seats available
🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eEwGzNAf

Participation is open to WIIS Brussels members.

Attendance and venue details will be shared upon confirmation by email by the WIIS Brussels team.

🌟If you are not yet a WIIS Brussels member, we would be delighted to welcome you to our network.

Adres

Brussels

Website

http://www.wiis-brussels.org/

Meldingen

Wees de eerste die het weet en laat ons u een e-mail sturen wanneer WIIS Brussels nieuws en promoties plaatst. Uw e-mailadres wordt niet voor andere doeleinden gebruikt en u kunt zich op elk gewenst moment afmelden.