Columbia University Launches Women’s Initiative Under Renowned Institute of Global Politics
New York, NY, March 4 – Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton and Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo today launched Columbia University’s Women’s Initiative, a new, expansive project to connect leading policymakers, political leaders, scholars, and advocates around issues of gender equality in the U.S. and worldwide. Housed in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)’s Institute of Global Politics, the Initiative will advance evidence-based solutions to advance women’s full and equal participation in society.
“We are thrilled to launch the Institute of Global Politics’ Women’s Initiative, which will center women’s issues at the forefront of Columbia’s approach to global policy,” said Keren Yarhi-Milo, Dean of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and co-founder of the Institute of Global Politics.
“We know that women are disproportionately impacted by our world’s most pressing challenges – from the surge in online disinformation to the worsening impacts of climate change. I look forward to the cutting-edge policy recommendations this Initiative will advance, as supported by the IGP’s Carnegie Distinguished Fellows, our faculty, and the full backing of Columbia’s renowned School of International and Public Affairs.”
“Women’s voices and perspectives should be included in every conversation about our collective future – and the Women’s Initiative is about making sure that happens,” said Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th US Secretary of State and current Chair of the IGP Faculty Advisory Board.
“Alongside the Institute of Global Politics’ world-class scholars and policymakers, this Initiative will train the next generation of women leaders and advance new solutions to the age-old problems of sexism and gender-based discrimination. Equality for women is the great unfinished work of the 21st century – and I am proud that this first-of-its-kind project will play a key role in helping get it done.”
The Institute of Global Politics’ Women’s Initiative will produce high-quality, actionable research and policy proposals across four pillars: women’s economic opportunity; women’s health; women’s safety and security; and women’s leadership, democracy, and human rights. Specifically, the Initiative will engage with Columbia faculty advancing relevant research, pairing them with IGP’s Distinguished Fellows – including former heads of state, high-ranking policy officials, diplomats, activists, and other distinguished leaders from across the globe – to produce actionable policy recommendations at the state, federal, and international levels; and bring together a variety of experts on gender policy to share best practices, forge partnerships, and offer trainings to SIPA students and affiliates.
Unlike other projects focused on advancing gender equality, the Women’s Initiative is among the first of its kind to leverage the targeted focus of a think tank alongside the academic power of a world-class university. The Initiative's home at the Institute of Global Politics in New York City – home to UN headquarters – also gives it an unparalleled ability to collaborate with Columbia’s other renowned research centers, and will ensure issues of gender policy are front and center on the global stage.
To celebrate the launch of the Women’s Initiative, Secretary Clinton and Dean Yarhi-Milo are bringing leading politicians, policymakers, and advocates to SIPA’s campus for a kick-off event on March 4, 2024. Watch the event live here.
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For Media Inquiries, please contact: Rachel Szala, Associate Dean of Communications and External Relations: [email protected], 212-854-0552
About the Institute of Global Politics: IGP is a hub for local and global leaders to share perspectives, innovate solutions, and align policy action for greater impact. Based in the global capital of New York City, IGP is uniquely positioned to advance cross-industry collaboration through a dynamic program of initiatives—from publications to signature speaker series. Preparing the next generation of policy leaders is central to the IGP’s mission, as it provides opportunities for Columbia students to gain hands-on experience in policymaking and unparalleled access to experts in the field.
About the School of International and Public Affairs: For more than 75 years, SIPA has been educating professionals who work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world. Through rigorous social science research and hands-on practice, SIPA’s graduates and faculty strive to improve social services, advocate for human rights, strengthen markets, protect the environment, and secure peace, in their home communities and around the world. For more information, please visit sipa.columbia.edu.