The Defense Security Cooperation University's Institute for Security Governance (ISG) recently concluded a weeklong workshop on “Women’s Integration in the Armed Forces” in Yerevan, Armenia. Led by ISG Security Governance faculty member, Cary O’Connell, the event was hosted by the Armenian Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation.

The intended outcome of the weeklong workshop was to develop policies to recruit and employ more women in the Armenian Armed Forces. Integrating women fully and equally can be valuable to a country’s national security sector.

The workshop guided participants through a barrier analysis framework, stakeholder analysis, and SWOT analysis to address challenges specific to the host nation and identify solutions tailored to each country’s culture and goals. This approach is crucial for stakeholder buy-in and ensured that the workshop effectively addressed how Armenia can better integrate women into the armed forces.

The course featured a keynote address by U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien and Maj. Gen. James Kriesel of USAF EUCOM J7. Kvien, a strong advocate for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, attended and provided remarks. Kriesel shared examples of the benefits of women’s full integration. Both leaders answered questions and engaged in a lively discussion with participants.