In a world where the threat of nuclear conflict looms large, the voices calling for disarmament have historically been pioneered by men. However, women are reshaping the conversation about nuclear disarmament, offering fresh perspectives, diplomatic skills, and a deep-rooted commitment to peace.
The need for gender parity in this field is particularly urgent, as the complexities of modern nuclear diplomacy demand an increasingly inclusive and diverse range of voices. Research shows that when women are involved in peace processes, agreements are more likely to be reached and endure over time. Yet, in the critical sphere of nuclear disarmament, women remain largely underrepresented in key decision-making roles, from governmental agencies to international forums.
Women have historically led the push for comprehensive arms control measures, such as those in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and have contributed to international initiatives aimed at reducing nuclear stockpiles and preventing proliferation. Their unique contributions, rooted in different lived experiences, offer new pathways for dialogue and consensus-building. Now especially, their insight is urgently needed in a world where the risk of nuclear escalation remains a daily reality.
Women have long played a vital role in shaping international policy and decision-making, especially within the United Nations (UN). From its founding in 1945, the UN has made strides in advancing women’s rights and promoting gender equality.
From the very beginning, women were involved in the creation and evolution of the UN, although they often resided in the minority. One of the most notable figures in UN history was Eleanor Roosevelt, who served as the chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and was instrumental in the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Her leadership not only solidified her legacy but also paved the way for future generations of women to take part in shaping international law.
Several women delegates were also crucial to the establishment of UN institutions and the push for women’s rights globally. Women such as Hansa Mehta from India, who insisted on changing the wording of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from “all men are created equal” to “all human beings are created equal,” played a transformative role in ensuring gender-inclusive language in critical global documents. Others, such as Minerva Bernardino of the Dominican Republic, worked tirelessly to include gender equality provisions in the UN Charter itself.
The 1970s and 1980s marked a turning point for women’s involvement in the UN, thanks in part to the International Women’s Year (1975) and the Decade for Women (1976–1985), during which the UN held global conferences aimed at advancing the status of women. These events were significant in raising awareness about gender inequality and advocating for women’s participation in decision-making at national and international levels.
The adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979 further institutionalized the UN’s commitment to gender equality. The CEDAW committee, consisting of experts from around the world, has been critical in monitoring states’ compliance with women’s rights standards and continues to provide guidance on the ways gender discrimination should be dismantled across sectors.
However, despite progress, the journey to women achieving full and meaningful participation in decision-making processes remains unfinished.
Women’s representation in the highest echelons of UN decision-making has lagged. While women have made gains in some areas, their presence in leadership positions remain disproportionately low. Only a few women have served as heads of UN agencies or held key leadership roles within the Security Council, which has been historically dominated by men.
The UN Women’s 2020 report found that women make up less than a quarter of parliamentarians globally and hold only 21% of ministerial positions. In peace processes, women represented a mere 13% of negotiators between 1992 and 2019.
Research has shown that women’s participation in foreign affairs leads to more sustainable peace agreements. According to UN data, when women are included in peace negotiations, the resulting agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years. Women’s unique perspectives on social justice, human rights, and community resilience are valuable when addressing complex global crises, from climate change to economic inequality. Thus, without adequate representation, the solutions crafted in international forums risk overlooking critical perspectives and priorities.
The COVID-19 pandemic also underscores the importance of female leadership. Countries with women at the helm, such as New Zealand, Germany, and Taiwan, received international praise for effectively handling the pandemic. This stands testament to the notions that women bring vital skills, empathy, and a collaborative spirit that is crucial in managing crises — qualities that the UN desperately needs at the highest levels.
Veronique Christory has emerged as a powerful advocate for increasing female representation in global diplomacy, particularly within disarmament. Her article, ‘Catching Up with the Curve: The Participation of Women in Disarmament Diplomacy,‘ offers a timely and insightful exploration of the barriers women face in this traditionally male-dominated field and the transformative impact of their inclusion. By shedding light on these issues, Christory aligns with the United Nations (UN) broader commitment to gender equality while calling for actionable reforms.
This piece delves into Christory’s analysis, which not only documents historical gender disparities but also champions greater female involvement as essential for a more equitable and effective approach to global security challenges.
Christory outlines the persistent underrepresentation of women in disarmament and security policy-making, tracing its roots to decades of systemic inequality. Historically, women were marginalized from critical roles in diplomacy and international security, relegated to peripheral positions due to entrenched gender norms. Even today, women occupy a minority of leadership roles in key UN disarmament bodies, such as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Conference on Disarmament.
This lack of representation has profound implications. It not only perpetuates gender inequality but also narrows the range of perspectives in decision-making, ultimately hindering efforts to address pressing global issues like arms control and peace-building.
Christory identifies several structural and cultural barriers contributing to the gender gap. Traditional gender roles have long emphasized women’s responsibilities in domestic and social spheres, casting diplomacy — and particularly disarmament — as unsuitable for them. Moreover, disarmament has often been perceived as requiring a “hard power” approach, further reinforcing male dominance in the field.
By exposing these barriers, Christory challenges global institutions to re-examine entrenched norms. She calls on policymakers to dismantle these outdated perceptions, creating an environment where women can thrive in high-stakes diplomatic roles.
While acknowledging recent UN efforts to promote gender equity — such as appointing more women to senior positions in disarmament agencies — Christory argues that these measures are insufficient. Women still hold only a fraction of decision-making roles, and progress remains slow.
Christory advocates for comprehensive reforms, including measurable goals and policies to ensure equal representation. Her critique emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in achieving these objectives.
One of Christory’s key contributions is her reliance on data to underscore women’s challenges in disarmament diplomacy. She highlights the stark disparities in male and female representation across decision-making levels by incorporating recent statistics. This evidence-based approach strengthens her arguments and underscores the urgency of the issue.
Christory also emphasizes the need for institutions to track and publish gender representation data regularly. Such transparency, she argues, is essential for holding organizations accountable and identifying areas for improvement.
Christory suggests steps to increase female participation, including implementing quotas or affirmative action policies. Backed by evidence showing that gender-balanced teams excel in conflict resolution and policymaking, these recommendations reflect the UN’s commitment to data-driven solutions and align with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Her proposals highlight the transformative potential of greater female representation, not only for advancing gender equity but also for enhancing the effectiveness of disarmament diplomacy. offers a timely and insightful exploration of the barriers women face in this traditionally male-dominated field and the transformative impact of their inclusion. By shedding light on these issues, Christory aligns with the United Nations (UN) broader commitment to gender equality while calling for actionable reforms.
Despite these contributions, women still face systemic barriers to entry and advancement in the male-dominated fields of security and defense. To address these inequities, we must actively promote women’s leadership in nuclear disarmament. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in diplomacy, international relations, and nuclear policy is critical. Support from governments, international organizations, and the whole of civil society is needed to break down the structural barriers and biases that continue to limit women’s participation.
Research has shown that women’s participation in foreign affairs leads to more sustainable peace agreements.