OUR PRIORITIES
We strive to platform the voices of those most affected by militarized foreign policy in everything we do, from the women and youth who bear the brunt of U.S. military engagement to frontline communities affected by nuclear destruction in all its forms.
Tackling the challenges of the 21st century will require international cooperation, greater investments in unmet human needs, sustainable industries, and the involvement of the masses—especially those, like women, who are often left out of policymaking. Spending over 1.7 trillion taxpayer dollars over the next 25 years weapons of mass destruction only serves to escalate tension, stimulate expensive and reckless arms races, and imperil life on earth.
Budget decisions that center militarized spending mean less resources for our communities, fewer jobs, and strangled investments in the infrastructure that makes us safe, healthy, and prosperous in our everyday lives - from healthcare and education, to racial and gender equality and climate investments that protect the world around us.
To bring about the change we wish to see, we continuously invest in and elevate women’s voices in peace and security spaces, educating and engaging women legislators on peace and security issues in order to balance the playing field and introduce new ways of thinking into largely male-dominated conversations on security issues. And, through our grassroots efforts, we are connecting and equipping a movement of women and girls who believe in a new conception of security. These efforts help us influence national conversations on peace and security and shift policy towards peaceful conflict resolution and human needs.
Nuclear disarmament and nuclear justice
From the beginning, WAND has been committed to eliminating the threat of nuclear war. The desire for and grounded belief in building a safer and more just world has long brought determined women together. By channeling our collective voices towards political goals, WAND works to reduce the role and number of nuclear weapons in U.S. national security policy, highlight the historical relevance of gender in the nuclear space, and achieve justice for those affected by U.S. nuclear policies.
Empowering women in security
We integrate a gender lens into every aspect and level of our work. We are committed to ensuring that a diverse array of women’s voices are immersed in peace and security spaces, both domestically and abroad. We know that when women are given the tools to engage in political and security spaces, they can successfully challenge the patriarchal systems in our society and build new structures, welcoming and collaborating with others along the way.
We build, resource, and leverage our network of nearly 700 women state legislators and women members of Congress to ensure that women are involved at every level of U.S. engagement on peace and security.
Resisting militarism at home and abroad
For decades, militarized spending has criminalized domestic communities while waging wars overseas, leading to dramatic underinvestment in the infrastructure and policies that allow our communities to thrive. Too often, unused tanks, rifles, and gear designed for war have ended up in the hands of local police responding to peaceful protests around the country. The domestic impacts of militarism are significant: the violent othering inherent in our foreign policy also breeds militarism and criminalization of Black and Brown communities at home.
We seek to demilitarize both foreign and domestic policy by advocating for feminist budgeting that rejects patriarchal security approaches and promotes diplomatic and peaceful conflict resolution.