OPINION:
Peace, prosperity, and democracy hinge significantly on the status and participation of women. The prioritization of women’s empowerment isn’t merely a moral obligation but a strategic choice to foster a more peaceful and democratic global community building on the insights Ronald Reagan shared in his pivotal Westminster address:
“Our military strength is a prerequisite to peace, but let it be clear we maintain this strength in the hope it will never be used. For the ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets, but a test of wills and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish, the ideals to which we are dedicated.”
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Since Reagan’s clarion call, Americans and our allies have actively built programs — many privately funded – to keep these ideals alive through networks that grew from the National Endowment of Democracy (NED). Over the past four decades, NED and its four core institutes – the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Solidarity Center – have supported democracy movements across various regions, including Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Asia-Pacific, and Africa, helping to expand the number of free countries worldwide.
However, diligence is required to ensure elections are free and fair. A 2019 Trump administration National Security Strategy report, United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, highlighted that “14 of the 17 lowest scoring countries in the Index for Gender Discrimination of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development have experienced armed conflict in the last two decades,” underscoring that “societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peaceful.”
To help advance these efforts, I am honored to serve on the advisory board of IRI’s Women’s Democracy Network (WDN), a program through which advisory board members fund our personal engagement and international travel to promote democratic ideals. Meeting women experiencing the right to vote, building businesses, and running for office on free market platforms is inspiring. Hearing stories of violence and intimidation from Iranian and Belorussian women countering authoritarianism creates a greater appreciation for the freedoms and protections we have in America. Motivating us are the resistance movements formed by women, including Iran’s “Women, Life, Freedom,” WDN’s 10 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and #MeToo_Unless_UR_a_Jew.
Through these conversations, we understand that the involvement of women in political processes and leadership roles transcends mere representation; it embodies the fortification and inclusivity of democratic frameworks cultivating the forthcoming generation of female leaders, arming them with the requisite skills to engage in policy discourse, develop robust civil societies, and vie for public office.
These efforts are more critical than ever in the face of the expanding economic and military influence of the Chinese, who are working with Russia, Iran, and North Korea to reverse Reagan’s Cold War victory.
Preparing women to lead during times of crisis can serve as a stabilizing force. As witnessed in Ukraine, as fathers, sons, and husbands fight and die, women are required to navigate the intricate processes of reconstruction and revival. In the aftermath of conflict, women’s role becomes even more crucial.
The Economist has reported that after Russia invaded Ukraine, the demand for workers in traditionally male-dominated sectors has surged, resulting in a spike in female-led businesses and employment within industries like manufacturing, construction, and mining. The capacity of women to adapt and flourish in adversity underscores their resilience and ingenuity.
Conservative organizations at home, like the Independent Women’s Forum (IWF) and Concerned Women for America, also promote women’s involvement in political processes and public policy dialogues. The IWF educates women about economic policy ramifications for themselves and their communities. By advocating for policies that empower individuals and foster healthy communities, the IWF contributes to a more diversified and inclusive political landscape. Concerned Women for America champions biblical principles and constitutional values, offering a platform for women to engage with issues of global significance. These women are active voices in support of Israel after the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks.
Women’s empowerment is not solely a moral necessity but also a strategic decision to cultivate a more peaceful and democratic global landscape. Women’s participation in political processes and leadership roles is pivotal for the durability and inclusivity of democratic structures. As we peer into the future, it is evident that prioritizing women’s empowerment is indispensable for constructing and maintaining the prosperous, peaceful, and democratic world Reagan envisioned.
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Lisa Gable is a CEO, former US Ambassador, UN Delegate, and author of Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestseller “Turnaround – How to Change Course When Things Are Going South.” Lisa is recognized worldwide as a turnaround mastermind and innovative businesswoman and started her career in the Reagan administration.
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