Feminist Answers in a Dangerous World: Gender, Peace and Security in a Precarious Geopolitics

In 2026, we are experiencing a rapidly shifting geopolitical context. Global tensions are at their highest since WWII, and the erosion of international norms is making the world more dangerous and unpredictable. Rising authoritarianism, splintering alliances and an organised backlash against women’s rights, gender equality and international development are challenging our expectations of progress towards justice and equality. 

Navigating these uncertainties and shifting realities requires us to be clear about the challenges we face, and bold in forging new pathways.

We must be clear that gender equality is a fundamental human right as well as a critical driver of national prosperity, social cohesion and long-term security. It is a key element in maintaining peace, democracy and the rule of law.

The Gender, Peace and Security agenda provides a useful pathway for navigating these uncertain times and its effective implementation will help ensure stable international relations, peace and security.

Now more than ever, gender equality and the Gender, Peace and Security agenda are vital.

Our panel will help us unpack these issues at this turning point in human history.

• Caroline Millar has extensive international security expertise, including as the former Australian Ambassador to the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg. She previously served as the Deputy Secretary for National Security, in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet covering national security, defence, intelligence and international policy. She will start by outlining the current geo-strategic realities we are facing.
• Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director at the Global Institute for Women’s leadership at the ANU. Her work demonstrates how gender inequality can infuse new frontiers, without explicit attention. She is finalising a book on Sex and Outer Space which discusses the way our current space exploration is replicating damaging patriarchal norms. Elise will discuss how important it is to focus explicitly on gender equality in all our international engagement.
• Asha Clementi is one of the principals of the Persephone Network, founder of Girls Run the World and 2022 ACT Young Women of the Year. She will facilitate the discussion and speak feminist aspirations for the gender peace and security agenda.

The Pamela Denoon Lecture is an important annual feminist lecture held in March of each year to celebrate International Women’s Day. It focusses on important feminist issues and the contributions of feminist leaders. It is organised as a partnership between the National Foundation for Australian Women, and the Gender Institute at the ANU.

6pm for a 6.30pm start. Light refreshments provided.