UNLIREC launches Women, Forces of Change: The Podcast, celebrating the voices of women leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean working in disarmament and security.

Over 10 episodes released between 8 November and 8 December 2024, diplomats, experts, and changemakers share their journeys, challenges, and visions for a safer, more inclusive world.

Episodes are available below and on Spotify, with conversations in English, Spanish, and French.

Discover how women are driving change in peace and security!

“Women, Forces for Change: The Podcast” is funded by Canada

Episode 1: Carina Solmirano

[Available in Spanish] Starting 1 December 2024, Carina Solmirano will assume the role of Head of the Secretariat of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), following her selection at the Tenth Conference of States Parties in August 2024, becoming the first Argentinian and Latin American woman to assume this responsibility. She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of disarmament, peace and international security.

In this episode of “Women, Forces of Change. The Podcast”, Carina Solmirano shares how her path has led her to work for justice and human rights, always with a humanitarian approach.

Episode 2: Nadine Bushell

Nadine Bushell is a leader in security and development, currently serving as the Acting Assistant Director of Projects at the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). With a wealth of experience in both government and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), she leverages her expertise to advance initiatives aimed at building a safer and more secure Caribbean region.

In this episode, Nadine Bushell shares her journey, from her early aspirations to pursue a career in law to her deep commitment to social development, specifically in the field of the security.

Episode 3: Clarissa Ríos

[Available in Spanish] Clarissa Rios is a scientist and global disarmament leader from Peru. With a PhD in molecular biology, Clarissa Rios works at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, focusing on preventing the use of biological weapons and promoting peace.

In this episode, she shares how her love of biology began and how the understanding of the impact of science on global security inspired her to work for peace.

Episode 4: Tamika Henry

Tamika Henry is a former Forensic Technologist with the Guyana Police Force and Senior Science Officer at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory. Currently, she supports the OPCW Technical Secretariat in advancing the global implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

In this episode, Tamika Henry shares how her passion for conflict resolution and the application of science led her to work towards enhancing security.

Episode 5: Constanza Bucarey

[Available in Spanish] Constanza Bucarey is a leading Chilean professional with over 16 years of experience in customs risk management, border security and strategic trade control in Latin America.

Her message to young women: “Be confident in your role, dare to explore male-dominated fields. You will encounter challenges, but also people who will support you.”

Episode 6: Kettly Julien

[Available in French] Kettly Julien is the Executive Director of the Institut Mobile d’Éducation Démocratique (IMED) and active member of the National Commission for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (CNDDR) of Haiti.

In this episode, she tells us how she has overcome challenges since her childhood and turned her fears into strengths to fight for social justice and human rights. She also shares how her work has contributed to the pacification of communities in Haití.

“Haitian society is patriarchal, and women face great obstacles, but we must fight for equality, shoulder to shoulder with men, without sexism.”