The Women in Strategic Trade (WiST) Initiative aims to promote equitable representation, advancement, and leadership of women in strategic trade controls (STCs) to address challenges to international peace and security.

The Women in Strategic Trade Mentorship Initiative (WISTMI) program is part of the WiST initiative's capacity-building pillar and sponsored by the US Department of State. The program aims to bolster the participation and representation of women in Southeast Asia in the fields of strategic trade, nonproliferation, and arms control.

In this regard, an Orientation Meeting was held on 28-29 February and 1March 2024 in Washington, DC, USA, organized by Coalescion, which coordinates this important program, with the participation of women from the Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia, experts and representatives the US Department of State.

Through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, selected mentees will reinforce and expand the representation of women working in STC while simultaneously strengthening national, regional, and ultimately global STC and nonproliferation goals and objectives.