The last several years have seen an upsurge in ethnic and sectarian violence around the world. The rise of ISIS and other extremist groups poses deep security challenges for particular societies and for the global community as a whole.
Zainab Hawa Bangura, the United Nations special representative on sexual violence in conflict, addressed the threat that violent extremism poses for human security, with a focus on its gender dimension. Her talk also addressed the critical role of women as peacebuilders in some of the world's most dangerous conflict zones.
Bangura was joined in conversation by the New York Times' Alissa Rubin, recipient of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security's 2016 Global Trailblazer Award. Special​ ​Representative Bangura was also presented with the Institute's 2016 Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security.
Ashley Judd, actress and political activist, provided closing remarks.
This event was co-sponsored the Office of the President of Georgetown University; the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security; the Georgetown Global Futures Initiative; and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs.
Zainab Hawa Bangura is the special representative on sexual violence in conflict at the level of under-secretary-general, a position to which she was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012.
Alissa J. Rubin is the Paris bureau chief for the New York Times and has spent much of her career covering conflict zones, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.
Ashley Judd is an American actress and political activist.