WIIS Switzerland Mentoring Program
The program aims at bringing together young women pursuing a career in the field of international peace and security in Switzerland with well-established experts providing professional guidance.
​
‘We see mentorship as an important tool to strengthen women’s careers in international peace and security – mentees’ as well as mentors’ – providing them with the opportunity to acquire new leadership skills, to build a long-lasting community, and most rewardingly to pass on knowledge to the next generation.’
​
Julia-Silvana Hofstetter, President & Founder of WIIS Switzerland
The Mentoring Program
WIIS Switzerland launched the first edition of its mentoring program in 2023 with the aim to connect young women starting a career in international security in Switzerland with established professionals who will provide professional guidance and advice.
Each mentee is matched with a mentor based on their experience, interests and career aspirations. Beyond the mentee-mentor tandems, WIIS Switzerland provides regular opportunities for participants to interact through events and skill-building workshops.
For mentees, mentoring is an opportunity to gain new perspectives and knowledge by talking to mentors about their experiences and career paths. It is also an opportunity to network with other mentees and learn from each other.
For mentors, mentoring provides an opportunity to transfer knowledge, reflect on one's career path, develop further counselling skills and expand professional networks.
​
The Launch Event
On 7 February 2023, WIIS Switzerland officially launched the first edition of the Mentoring Program. We had the pleasure of welcoming two high-level speakers: Irene Fellin, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security and President of WIIS Italy and Talia Wohl, Senior Adviser of the Peace and Human Rights Division of the FDFA and Swiss representative at the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network (WPS FPN). They both gave key advice on how to succeed as a woman in this field. Among other things, by encouraging each other and never apologising for who you are and what you want. And, most importantly, by finding someone to be a sounding board and give critical advice.
​
Do you want to know more about the program?
Please send an email to switzerland@wiisglobal.org