Statement on the Nomination of the First Woman of Color asVice President of the United States: Kamala Harris

August 19, 2020

At Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS), we believe global issues demand a variety of perspectives. We created a platform devoted to women of color that cultivates a strong voice and network for women while encouraging dialogue and strategies for engaging in policy discussions on an international scale. Through our dedication to mentorship and partnership and our passion for changing the global community landscape, we remain committed to achieving our vision of advancing the leadership and professional development of women of color in the fields of international peace and security, conflict transformation, foreign policy, and national security.

While the global community is faced with issues related to worldwide health security, peacekeeping, weapons of mass destruction nonproliferation, and the intersection of national and international security, there has been no significant or sustained voice from women of color, who are often the most affected and who are also community leaders in many parts of the world.

We are changing that.

We continue seeking to ensure women of color are at the policy-making tables to have their voices heard on issues of peace and security that affect them predominantly. We seek to build and strengthen a pipeline of young girls and mid-career women who remain in the fields of peace and security so that they will one day be at those tables, making effective change along the way. And we seek to find ways to positively alter the culture of relevant organizations, both through the Organizations in Solidarity Project, and in other forums, so that those institutions are more inclusive of diverse voices that can impact policies to reflect the concerns and needs of women of color.

We congratulate Kamala Harris on being the first Woman of Color nominated to be the Vice-President of the United States.