Gender and Nuclear Security: Assessing Women’s Participation in Strategic Security Institutions

Abstract

Gender inclusion in nuclear security remains a critical yet underexplored dimension of global strategic governance. Despite increasing recognition of gender equality in international security frameworks, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in nuclear security institutions, particularly in decision-making, technical, and operational roles. This study investigates the structural, institutional, and socio-cultural factors shaping women’s participation in strategic security institutions engaged in nuclear governance. The primary problem addressed is the persistent gender imbalance in nuclear security systems, which limits diversity of perspectives in high-risk decision-making environments. The objective of the study is to assess the status of women’s participation, identify barriers to inclusion, and evaluate the implications of gender diversity for nuclear security effectiveness. A qualitative research methodology was employed, drawing on secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, policy reports, and international institutional publications from 2024–2026. Thematic analysis was used to examine patterns related to representation, institutional constraints, and policy responses. Findings reveal that although progress has been made in global policy discourse, women’s participation remains largely symbolic rather than structural. Key barriers include gendered institutional cultures, limited access to technical pathways, and exclusion from strategic leadership roles. However, evidence suggests that gender-diverse security teams enhance decision-making quality, risk assessment, and institutional resilience. The study concludes that gender mainstreaming is not only an equity imperative but also a strategic necessity for strengthening nuclear security governance. Policy reforms promoting inclusive recruitment, leadership development, and institutional accountability are essential to bridge the gender gap in this critical field.

Keyword: Gender mainstreaming, Nuclear security, Women participation, Strategic institutions, Security governance, Feminist security theory, Policy reform

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21165612