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Elise Stephenson

Dr Elise Stephenson is the Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, Australian National University. She is a multi-award-winning gender equality researcher with an entrepreneurial background. Elise's research focuses on gender, sexuality and leadership in policy frontiers, from researching the space sector, to diplomacy, national security, intelligence, climate action, international relations, and the Asia Pacific. She is an Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellow 2025-2028 for her research on: Gender Equality at the Frontiers: AI, Space and Climate Action.

Articles by Elise Stephenson (9)

Bec Strating, Elise Stephenson 23 Mar 2026

The security gap Australia can’t afford to ignore

The difference between how men and women judge expertise in national security isn’t about knowledge but perceived authority.
Elise Stephenson 30 Jan 2026

Why are Australia’s top diplomatic jobs still for men only?

Recent appointments of male envoys to London and Washington highlight persistent gender gaps at DFAT's highest level.
Elise Stephenson 5 Oct 2023

Women in international affairs: beyond glass ceilings to the glass cliff

Is the international equal and inclusive leadership pipeline, clogged, leaky, shrinking or splitting?
Kareena Dhillon, Elise Stephenson 14 Jun 2023

Expanding the Women, Peace and Security agenda to the next frontier – space

Australia could have an outsized impact promoting “responsible behaviours” in space through diplomacy and gender advocacy.
Elise Stephenson 26 Jul 2022

The future is female, but women in diplomacy still under-represented

It’s two steps forward, one step back for gender parity in Australian international relations.
Susan Harris Rimmer, Elise Stephenson 31 Mar 2020

Covid-19 responses: Why feminist leadership matters in a crisis

Too often gender equality is jettisoned when “real problems” arise. Not only is this mistaken, it can cost lives.
Elise Stephenson 2 Mar 2020

Youth-led diplomacy: Big opportunity for big impact

Tapping into the energy and insights of young people can help ensure the future success of Australia’s foreign policy.
Elise Stephenson 10 Apr 2019

As Julie Bishop exits, how far have women come in world affairs?

The number of women in senior international roles is unmatched for Australia and the challenge is to drive to parity.
Susan Harris Rimmer, Elise Stephenson 8 Oct 2018

A slap in the face for diverse diplomacy

Unmarried, same-sex partners of foreign diplomats have 30 days to get married or face deportation from the US.