Leadership has no gender. The future of our society depends on how quickly we are willing to accept this fact. At the Reykjavik Global Forum held in Iceland in November, participants stressed that women’s equal participation in global peace and security is more critical than ever. As the security environment in our region and across the world shifts, a new set of challenges is emerging.
Women leaders, even in many G7 countries, are facing growing hostility, and public confidence in women’s ability to lead is steadily declining. Social networks have become battlegrounds where women often struggle to defend themselves. Research shows that authoritarian regimes intentionally exploit gender issues to polarize societies and influence elections. Meanwhile, online algorithms amplify anger, disinformation, and hate – including misogynistic content. Women are the target of 90 percent of fabricated “deepfake” videos, most of them sexualized. Platforms such as TikTok and YouTube also play a role in the radicalization of boys through seemingly harmless dating advice and similar content popular among teenagers.
Democratic progress is impossible without women’s inclusion in decision-making, economic development, and peace processes – a point strongly emphasized by former President Dalia Grybauskaitė. Women’s participation strengthens communities and fosters dialogue.
Gender equality is not solely a women’s issue – and it is certainly not a battle. It is a shared responsibility of both women and men to build a fairer and more democratic world.
As the internet becomes an increasingly convenient platform for attacks against women in politics, we must find ways to protect, support, and empower them. Women’s participation is not optional – it is essential.
During the Reykjavik Global Forum, held on eld on November 10-11, 2025, I was invited to moderate the discussion “Parliamentarians for Change”, which brought together women parliamentarians from around the world. I shared my own experiences and felt genuine support from colleagues across different countries. Today, solidarity and collective action are crucial if we want real, lasting change.
Globally, women hold only a quarter of parliamentary seats. Although progress is happening, it remains far too slow. In the current term of the Seimas, women make up just 28 percent of MPs – fewer than in the previous term. Lithuania ranks 81st worldwide in women’s parliamentary representation, compared to Latvia in 68th place and Estonia in 77th.
In government, law enforcement, and the armed forces – institutions where the most consequential decisions are made – women are still often sidelined. Women comprise 12 percent of Lithuania’s Armed Forces, yet only 10 percent of female personnel hold leadership positions. To this day, not a single law-enforcement institution is led by a woman.
Despite the growing number of women in defence, law enforcement, and politics, stereotypes, negative attitudes, and lingering distrust continue to impede progress. These barriers discourage women from taking active roles, undermine their sense of safety, and prevent them from fully realizing their potential.
This is a loss for the state. By marginalizing half of its population and overlooking their needs, a country cannot be fully secure. And today, security and resilience against threats are more vital than ever.
During times of war, human rights – including the rights of women – deteriorate, while women leaders increasingly become targets for aggressors such as Russia. That is why ensuring women’s security must receive even more attention. Women need a defined role in national defence and access to essential training, including self-defence, firearm handling, first aid, and other vital skills.
Women’s leadership is indispensable. They must be part of crisis management, peace negotiations, demobilization, disarmament, and all processes of recovery and reconstruction.
Experience from Lithuania and abroad demonstrates that women strengthen security in multiple ways. They introduce perspectives that complement traditional law-enforcement and security models shaped largely by male experience. Their inclusion not only enhances operational security but also builds trust between communities and institutions. Women tend to resolve conflicts through non-violent means, often show greater empathy and emotional intelligence, and are particularly attuned to the needs of all members of society – a crucial asset in crisis preparedness and management.
To make meaningful progress, we must pursue political solutions and build strong support networks. Leadership and mentorship programmes can help women and girls trust their abilities and find their voice.
Since November, together with members of the Women’s Parliamentary Group, we have been visiting schools across Lithuania as part of the girls’ leadership initiative #MergaitėsTAIPneDARO. We meet with senior students, share our experiences, and discuss the importance of personal responsibility, choosing one’s path, and beginning change from within. Sometimes, taking a step toward one’s goals requires only a bit of encouragement. That is precisely what this initiative aims to provide: support and inspiration for girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence and resilience.
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