WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – and for the second time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast.

Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In December, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together online for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective.

In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features three incredible women working on security: Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, Ayisha Mohammed, and Rakiba Mohammed.

This episode was recorded on December 19, 2024 and features:

• Matilda Tsitsi Fakazi, a dedicated community activist and leader with a deep commitment to social change and empowerment. Rooted in African traditions, she serves as a spiritual healer and herbalist, drawing on ancestral knowledge to promote holistic well-being and cultural preservation.
• Ayisha Mohammed, a passionate youth activist and mental health advocate with a strong focus on community development, empowerment, and education. She is the Deputy Director and Facilitator at Achievers Ghana, an NGO that supports the empowerment of girls by providing access to quality education, leadership development, and technology training. In addition, Ayisha serves as Operations Manager and trainer at Yepafrica, an organization committed to empowering young people to create positive change in their communities.
• Rakiba Mohammed from Nima, a popular slum in Accra, Ghana. She is a cybersecurity analyst who is passionate about bridging the tech gap between the rural and urban areas, deeply committed to empowering young women in underserved communities with technology education, making cybersecurity accessible, and fostering an inclusive and diverse future where everyone has the tools to thrive in the digital world.
• Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels.

In this episode, Matilda, Ayisha and Rakiba share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all.

Credits

Music: free from copyright

Production: teevee.studio

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Spotify

Opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WIIS Brussels has been hosting special events under the title Consultation on Women & Security – focusing on migrant, refugee, and exile activists – and for the first time, we bring part of this powerful conversation to the podcast.

Throughout this unique process, we explore personal definitions of 'security,' how the concept is evolving, and the vital role communities play in shaping safer environments. In September, WIIS Brussels members and friends of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union came together for an event that invited participants to share stories and reflect on security from a deeply personal perspective.

In our pursuit of inclusivity and diversity, this edition of Consultations on Women & Security features two incredible women defending the rights of refugees, migrants, and exiles: Silsila Mahboub and Seyran Khalili.

This episode was recorded on September 12 2024 and features:

• Silsila Mahboub, an Afghan refugee living in Bulgaria, is an activist, human rights defender, entrepreneur, and public speaker who has dedicated her life to advocating for refugee women's rights in Europe.
• Seyran Khalili, a Kurdish-Norwegian human rights activist and a program manager at New Women Connectors, a social change movement that advocates for feminist ideals, and is led by migrant and refugee women who share common experiences and strengths.
• Sofiia Shevchuk, a member of the Steering Committee with WIIS Brussels.

In this episode, Silsila and Seyran share their personal journeys, their evolving understanding of security, and provide valuable insights for policymakers on creating a more secure and inclusive world for all.

Credits

Music: free from copyright

Production: teevee.studio

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Spotify

Opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung European Union.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the world grapples with the ructions of recent global disorder, focus has often turned to the global south and its reactions. Notably, the African continent has become of great interest, not least because of its varied positions on events in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside the manifest attempts of China, Russia, the US and the EU to garner support and attention.

Africa is a continent of 54 separate states, with over 18% of the global population — so the mere attempt to speak of it as a whole is flawed. From regions to states, each faces unique challenges. Equally, while some states remain stable over time, others have been prone to descend into disorder. From August 2022 to 2023, there were a staggering seven military coups, largely in the Sahel region, creating a ripple effect of fear and concerns about contagion.

To better understand the continent, the coups and the potentials, Ilana Bet-El hosts a thought-provoking discussion with Comfort Ero, President and CEO at the International Crisis Group, and Nina Wilén, Director of the Africa Program at Egmont, Royal Institute for International Relations. Both women leaders bring extensive experience and fascinating insights to navigate the rhyme and reason of the continent; the eternal problems of governing and governance; the difference between military and constitutional coups and the reasons why citizens of African states have both embraced and rejected them; the role and potential of the African Union with a seat at the G20; and the over-hyped position of Russia in Africa.

This episode was recorded on November 14 2023 and features:

• Ilana Bet-El
• Comfort Ero LinkedIn & Twitter
• Nina Wilén LinkedIn & Twitter

Curious to learn more? Follow the link for more resources from our guests!

Credits

Music: Free from copyright

Production: Florence Ferrando

This episode is sponsored by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union! Learn more about them:

• Website
• Twitter
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Spotify

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.