As states prepare to gather for the Twelfth Conference of States Parties (CSP12) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) this August, there is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Treaty’s implementation through a more gender-responsive approach. CSP12 will also mark the first Conference of States Parties following the appointment of the ATT Gender Focal Points, whose role offers new momentum to advance the implementation of Article 7(4), promote knowledge sharing, and ensure that gender considerations are more systematically integrated into arms transfer decision-making. 

As states prepare to gather for the Twelfth Conference of States Parties (CSP12) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) this August, there is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Treaty’s implementation through a more gender-responsive approach. CSP12 will also mark the first Conference of States Parties following the appointment of the ATT Gender Focal Points, whose role offers new momentum to advance the implementation of Article 7(4), promote knowledge sharing, and ensure that gender considerations are more systematically integrated into arms transfer decision-making. 

As states prepare to gather for the Twelfth Conference of States Parties (CSP12) to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) this August, there is a unique opportunity to strengthen the Treaty’s implementation through a more gender-responsive approach. CSP12 will also mark the first Conference of States Parties following the appointment of the ATT Gender Focal Points, whose role offers new momentum to advance the implementation of Article 7(4), promote knowledge sharing, and ensure that gender considerations are more systematically integrated into arms transfer decision-making. 

As part of our ongoing series highlighting the leadership and expertise of our members around the world advancing gender-responsive small arms, GENSAC is honored to feature Inspector Sanja Sumonja, a criminal police inspector from the Republic of Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Working within a post-conflict context where the legacy of past violence continues to shape security challenges, Sanja brings dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to strengthening the role of women in the security sector. Through her work addressing serious crime and promoting the prevention of small-arms misuse, she contributes to building safer, more resilient communities and seeks to inspire future generations of women in law enforcement.

As part of our ongoing series highlighting the leadership and expertise of our members around the world advancing gender-responsive small arms, GENSAC is honored to feature Inspector Sanja Sumonja, a criminal police inspector from the Republic of Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Working within a post-conflict context where the legacy of past violence continues to shape security challenges, Sanja brings dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to strengthening the role of women in the security sector. Through her work addressing serious crime and promoting the prevention of small-arms misuse, she contributes to building safer, more resilient communities and seeks to inspire future generations of women in law enforcement.

En esta edición de Miembros Destacados de GENSAC, destacamos la valiosa labor de Ana Yancy Espinoza, Directora Académica de la organización costarricense Fundación Arias para la Paz. A través de un firme compromiso con el fortalecimiento del control de armas pequeñas y ligeras y la prevención de la violencia armada en América Latina, su trabajo pone especial énfasis en la incorporación de la perspectiva de género, el fortalecimiento de las capacidades institucionales y la promoción de la cooperación regional. La labor de la Sra. Espinoza y su organización demuestran cómo los enfoques inclusivos y basados en evidencia pueden contribuir al desarrollo de políticas de seguridad más eficaces y sostenibles.

In this edition of the GENSAC Member Spotlight, we highlight the impactful work of Ana Yancy Espinoza, Academic Director of the Costa Rican-based organization, Fundación Arias para la Paz. Through a strong commitment to advancing small arms control and preventing armed violence across Latin America, their work places a particular emphasis on integrating gender perspectives, strengthening institutional capacities, and fostering regional cooperation. The work of Ms. Espinoza and her organization is centered on demonstrating how inclusive, evidence-based approaches can drive more effective and sustainable security policies.

El crimen organizado es una amenaza global que debilita la seguridad, el estado de derecho y el desarrollo socioeconómico, junto con los impactos relacionados sobre las armas pequeñas y la igualdad de...