PRIO’s Gender Team in DC

PRIO’s gender team is collaborating with USIP, which has resulted in an edited book, as well as a series of events in Washington DC at the end of last week. On Friday, Inger sent the following travel report (published here with her permission; my translation):

We have had a great day at USIP. Their new building is absolutely amazing and is a MUST SEE. It is placed opposite the State Department with a view of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Helga and I have been interviewed by Nigel Quinn, who will write a report about the book and the symposium. Then there was lunch at the terrace, including all who have worked on the book project or are otherwise engaged in gender issues at USIP. A rather particular affair, with lots of wind, flying paper plates and noise from some rooftop artistic installation, but otherwise very good.

The reception on Thursday evening went well. Ambassador Wegger Strømmen gave a great presentation which generated lots of questions. The fancy room had a terrible sound system that produced an overwhelming echo, culminating when a woman whose command of English was limited tried to say something, while the sign language interpreter placed in front of the audience put her hands at rest, signaling apology with her eyes. Details like this mean little in such a great building! Helga gave a brilliant summary and a presentation of the book, before everybody moved on to canapés and wine. The embassy was well represented, and – despite the minor hiccups - very pleased with the event.

Overall, PRIO was highlighted as a sister organization, and was highly profiled both in the talks and otherwise.