Bylines & Frontlines Episode 2: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Action: Canada’s Approach to Women, Peace & Security

In this episode, we’re diving into what may be one of the most debated topics in security circles today: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. For some, it’s only a lightning rod. For us, and especially for our guests, it’s foundational to how Canada thinks about Women, Peace and Security. Joining our WIIS-C co-hosts, Dr Colleen Bell and Frieda Garcia Castellanos, are two guests who bring both operational credibility and deep policy expertise to this conversation: Dr. Sara Greco, a political scientist with experience across the Defence Team—from advising senior leaders, to teaching at the Canadian Forces College, to shaping policy within Chief Military Personnel. She is also a WIIS-Canada board member and a research collaborator with the Canadian Defence and Security Network. And, LCol Riel “Guns” Erickson, one of Canada’s first five female fighter pilots. Over nearly three decades in uniform, she has flown the CF-18 Hornet, trained the next generation of pilots, and made history intercepting Russian bombers in Canadian airspace. Today, she serves as the CAF Liaison Officer to Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. Together, we’ll explore what EDI and WPS look like when they move off the page and into practice what works, what resists change, and why Canada’s experience stands out at a time when some of our allies are moving in the opposite direction.