Women Standing Together

This chapter pulls forward the threads presented initially regarding societal pressures on young girls, the state of the American state and Women, Peace & Security within the context of women (and many men) having now had enough of the sexism that has been pervasive of late and exacerbated by COVID. Regarding individuals, women and some men are speaking out about the portrayal and treatment of women in the media. The fairy tale of women growing up and finding a prince to rescue her has been broken, even in the movies. Nationally, whether post-COVID America will continue to be one characterized by hyper-masculinity, increasingly including extreme versions, is an important question that must be addressed, and women's voices will make a difference. Globally, feminist foreign policies that countries are increasingly adopting are considered and what role Women, Peace & Security has in the Great Power Competition in which America currently sees itself engaged. Countries that accept women as full members of society will have a decided edge over those that do not. Finally, it is important to remind ourselves that there are many indicators of positive progress regarding gender equality already, progress that that can be built upon.