Gender and Security Sector Lab

What Gender and Security Sector Lab does

The Gender and Security Sector Lab (GSS Lab) is an academic research laboratory housed in Cornell University's Department of Government, founded in 2016 by Dr. Sabrina M. Karim. The lab generates evidence on barriers to women's meaningful participation in military and police forces and translates that evidence into institutional reforms in partner countries. Its core product is the MOWIP (Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations) methodology — a mixed-methods assessment tool developed with DCAF and the Elsie Initiative Fund that measures ten issue areas and is required for Elsie Initiative Fund applications. The lab also maintains the Global Security Force Personnel Survey, the largest cross-national survey dataset of police and military personnel (4,000–5,615 personnel across 12+ countries), along with the International Police Reforms Dataset (1988–2019), the International Police Assistance Dataset (1970–2019), and a Police Violence dataset. Outputs include peer-reviewed publications in top political science journals, country-specific MOWIP reports, and a policy brief series on SEAH prevention and peacekeeping reform.

The lab's customers are national security institutions (military and police) in Troop and Police Contributing Countries, not commercial buyers. Its revenue model is grant-funded: Global Affairs Canada is the primary funder (commitment through 2026), with prior support from DCAF and an NSF CAREER award. Policy consulting and training to UN agencies and think tanks (UN Women, IPI, DCAF) is conducted at the margin and is not a material revenue stream. Direct engagement is delivered through in-country research partnerships with local implementation partners (e.g., KAIPTC in Ghana, RESDAL in Uruguay, PRIO in Norway, Kofi Annan Institute in Liberia), producing documented policy outcomes including a quadrupling of women in Liberia's Armed Forces (30→147), Uruguay's 25% female peacekeeping deployment rate, and a $997K UNOPS project in Bangladesh. The GSS Lab does not sell commercial products or services; all research outputs are disseminated freely.

Name

Gender and Security Sector Lab

Legal name

Gender and Security Sector Lab (Cornell University)

Website

https://sabrinamkarim.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Gender and Security Sector Lab is a Cornell University research laboratory that develops the MOWIP methodology and cross-national security force surveys to help national military and police institutions remove barriers to women's meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security and Policy Research Services

NAICS

National Security (92811)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Gender security research
• Security sector reform
• Peacekeeping policy research
• MOWIP assessments
• Women peace operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Ithaca

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Funding (Primary): The GSS Lab operates as a university research laboratory primarily funded through competitive institutional grants. Primary funders include Global Affairs Canada (current funding through 2026), DCAF — Geneva Centre for Security Governance (previous funding), the National Science Foundation CAREER award (NSF award #2143934), and funding through the Elsie Initiative (a partnership between Global Affairs Canada and UN Women). Additional support comes from USIP Peace Scholar Fellowships and Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowships for team members. No commercial revenue is generated.
2. Policy Consulting and Training Services: The lab provides consulting, advising, and training services to UN agencies and think tanks on issues related to women's participation in security forces, gender-responsive security institutions, and SEAH policies. These engagements support the lab's policy impact mission but are not described as significant revenue-generating activities.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The GSS Lab conducts academic research on gender and security forces, producing the MOWIP (Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations) methodology and country-specific assessment reports, cross-national survey datasets of police and military personnel, policy briefs on UN peacekeeping and SEAH, and consulting/advisory services for UN agencies and think tanks. Its work is delivered to government security institutions in Troop and Police Contributing Countries and to international organizations supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Product overview

The Gender and Security Sector Lab is an academic research laboratory at Cornell University that does not offer a unified software product but rather produces a portfolio of research products, assessment tools, datasets, and policy outputs. Its core offerings include the MOWIP (Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations) Methodology and Toolbox developed with DCAF and the Elsie Initiative Fund; Global Security Force Personnel Survey Data collected across 12+ countries; International Police Reform Datasets covering police reforms and assistance programs from 1970-2019; a series of four Policy Briefs on peacekeeping, gender, and security sector reform; and country-specific MOWIP Reports for partner nations. The lab also produces Police Violence and Police Autonomy datasets. These products collectively serve academic research, policy advocacy, and institutional reform purposes for the security sector globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MOWIP (Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations) Methodology and Toolbox A rigorous mixed-methods methodology and downloadable toolkit, co-developed with DCAF and the Elsie Initiative Fund, that measures the degree to which women can meaningfully participate in peace operations from the perspectives of troop- and police-contributing countries across ten issue areas. The toolbox provides all data collection tools, templates, and explainers necessary for conducting a MOWIP assessment and is recognized as the 'gold standard' required for Elsie Initiative Fund applications.
• Global Security Force Personnel Survey Data Large-scale original survey dataset collected from police and military personnel across 12+ countries (Zambia, Ghana, Senegal, Bangladesh, Jordan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uruguay, Norway, Cambodia, Fiji, Malawi), measuring personnel attitudes, beliefs about violence, gender perspectives, and institutional characteristics. The dataset spans 4,000–5,615 personnel and serves as the lab's primary evidence base.
• Policy Brief Series on Peacekeeping, Gender, and SEAH A series of policy briefs translating the lab's academic research into actionable policy recommendations for peacekeeping and security sector reform, including briefs on SEAH prevention, transition home support for African peacekeepers, inclusive peacekeeping, and SEA training. Published in partnership with IPI, UN Women, and DCAF.
• International Police Reform Datasets (1988–2019) Cross-national dataset on four institutional reforms to policing — creation of new operational units (e.g., SWAT), new police academies, gender reforms within policing, and civilian oversight mechanisms — coded for 1988–2019. The dataset also includes an International Police Assistance Dataset covering U.S., UN, Chinese, and Swedish police assistance programs globally from 1970–2019.
• MOWIP Country Assessment Reports Country-specific MOWIP assessment reports developed in partnership with military and police institutions in 10+ countries that identify barriers to women's meaningful participation and recommend institutional reforms. Reports have been delivered for Zambia, Ghana, Senegal, Bangladesh, Jordan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uruguay, Norway, Cambodia, Fiji, and Malawi.
• Police Violence Dataset Dataset coding police-specific violence globally using existing ACLED and Mass Mobilization datasets supplemented by scraped news articles on reports of police violence from major international newspapers. Estimated completion 2027.
• Police Autonomy from Politics Scale Measurement scale under development that captures the degree to which police forces have autonomy from politics along institutional, procedural, technical, professional, and operational dimensions across police forces globally. Estimated completion 2027.
• Consulting, Advising, and Training on Gender-Responsive Security Institutions Consulting, advising, and training services delivered to UN agencies and think tanks on women's participation in security forces, gender-responsive security institutions, and SEAH prevention policies. Provided as part of the lab's policy impact mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than quadruple increase in women in the Armed Forces of Liberia (from 30 to 147) following MOWIP recommendations
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and notable.

• UN Women's Elsie Initiative Fundflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021The GSS Lab is a key implementing partner of the Elsie Initiative Fund, a partnership between Global Affairs Canada and UN Women that funds measures to increase women's meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping. The lab conducts MOWIP assessments in member countries, develops policy recommendations, and its MOWIP methodology is the 'gold standard' required for EIF applications. Flexible project funding from the EIF has supported institutional reforms in Sierra Leone, Ghana, Bangladesh, Zambia, and beyond.
• DCAF — Geneva Centre for Security Governanceflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDCAF is the Geneva Centre for Security Governance, a key partner in developing and promoting the MOWIP methodology alongside the Elsie Initiative. The GSS Lab worked with DCAF on prior funding and co-produces policy briefs and MOWIP reports with DCAF. DCAF publishes the MOWIP methodology documentation, the Global MOWIP Report, and the MOWIP Policy Brief Series. DCAF also organizes regional workshops (e.g., Madrid, Senegal) based on MOWIP results.
• International Peace Institute (IPI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPI collaborates with the GSS Lab on policy forums and webinars, including the 'Reflecting on 25 Years of the WPS Agenda' (2025), IPI's Gender and Peace Operations Research Conference (2024), and SEAH policy forums. IPI hosts and promotes the lab's policy briefs on sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment in UN peace operations.
• SACCORD (Zambia)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSACCORD (Social Change Consultants and Research Development) in Zambia partnered with the GSS Lab to conduct the survey of the Zambia Police Service (N=378, 2019). This partnership enabled the MOWIP assessment that led to construction of women's accommodation units and a daycare centre at the George Mukuma Training Centre.
• KAIPTC (Ghana)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana partnered with the GSS Lab to survey the Ghana Armed Forces (N=390, 2019). This partnership supported the MOWIP assessment that informed the construction of a 200-bed dormitory at Ghana's Army Recruit School.
• CHEDS (Senegal)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with CHEDS (Centre d'Hautes Études de Défense et de Sécurité) in Senegal to survey the Senegalese police and gendarmerie (N=395, 2019). This supported the MOWIP that led to establishment of a childcare facility for the Senegalese Gendarmerie and special recruitment of ~300 women.
• dRI — detect (Bangladesh)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with dRI and faculty at the University of Dhaka's Department of International Relations to survey the Bangladeshi Armed Forces (N=495+, 2022). This partnership supported the MOWIP that informed a $997K UNOPS project to enhance female peacekeeper training capacity at BIPSOT.
• Jordanian National Commission for WomencoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with the Jordanian National Commission for Women to survey the Jordan Public Security Directorate (N=380, 2021). The MOWIP assessment led to Jordan signing an MOU to increase women's leadership/command roles and ensure equal access to training.
• University of Liberia's Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict TransformationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with the University of Liberia's Kofi Annan Institute for Conflict Transformation to survey the Armed Forces of Liberia (N=600, 2022). The MOWIP contributed to quadrupling the number of women in the AFL (from 30 to 147) and improved mental health support.
• University of Sierra Leone and UN Women (Sierra Leone)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with the University of Sierra Leone and UN Women to survey the Armed Forces (N=380, 2021) and Police (N=380, 2023) of Sierra Leone. MOWIP outcomes include gender-specific health needs assessment, scholarships for women medical students, and breast cancer screening.
• RESDAL (Uruguay)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with RESDAL (Red de Seguridad y Defensa de América Latina) to survey the Uruguayan Armed Forces and National Police (N=764, 2019). The MOWIP-driven reforms led to Uruguay achieving a 25% female peacekeeping deployment rate.
• PRIO — Peace Research Institute Oslo (Norway)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with PRIO to survey the Norwegian Armed Forces (N=653, 2022). PRIO is a leading international peace research institute that facilitated the MOWIP assessment of barriers to women's participation in Norway's military.
• Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and UN Women (Cambodia)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab collaborated with the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies and UN Women to conduct a survey of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (N=438, 2023). The official report was launched in 2024.
• Ethos CRS and Tebbutt Research (Fiji)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with Ethos CRS, Tebbutt Research, and the Fiji Ministry of Defense to survey the Republic of Fiji Military Force (N=410) and Fiji Police Force (N=405) for two MOWIP reports, the first such assessments in the South Pacific region. MOWIP reports were officially launched in June/July 2026.
• IPOR — Institute of Public Opinion and Research (Malawi)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe GSS Lab partnered with IPOR, the Malawi Police Service, and UN Women for a MOWIP assessment of the Malawi Police Service in 2026, with support from the Elsie Initiative Fund.
• Judith Reppy Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies (Cornell)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe GSS Lab co-sponsors seminars and events with Cornell's Judith Reppy Institute, hosting guest speakers, professional development sessions for lab members, and the annual EGEN conference. The Reppy Institute supports the lab's seminar series and public lecture programming.
• American Academy in Berlin / Berlin PrizenotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Sabrina Karim was awarded the Berlin Prize (2025) and delivered a featured talk at the American Academy in Berlin titled 'Pockets of Restraint in Violent Security Forces.' She also lectured at Villa Hügel in Essen through the Berthold Beitz Fellowship.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• UN Women: Co-founder of the Elsie Initiative Fund and the institutional driver of the WPS agenda; GSS Lab operates as a research implementation partner to UN Women across multiple country programs.
• International Crisis Group: Policy think tank producing field-based research on conflict-affected states and security sector reform; comparable GTM model of advising governments and international bodies.
• Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI): Broader security-sector research incumbent producing cross-national datasets on armed forces, gender, and policing; complements GSS Lab's work on global police and military institutions.
• RAND Corporation: Larger research incumbent conducting policy-relevant work on security sector reform, gender, and peacekeeping; a comparable institutional model producing applied research for governments and international organizations.

Emerging players

• Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security: Academic policy institute producing research on women in peace and security; overlapping research themes with GSS Lab's WPS and peacekeeping focus and serving similar funder and policy audiences.

Direct peers

• International Peace Institute (IPI): Co-hosts GSS Lab policy briefs, webinars, and the Gender and Peace Operations Research Conference; both produce applied policy research for UN agencies on peacekeeping, SEAH, and gender.
• Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO): Partnered with GSS Lab on the Norwegian Armed Forces MOWIP survey (N=653); produces overlapping research on gender, peace operations, and security institutions in Europe.
• RESDAL (Red de Seguridad y Defensa de América Latina): Partnered with GSS Lab on the Uruguayan MOWIP survey and reform agenda; comparable Latin American think tank producing regional data on defense and security institutions.
• DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Governance: Co-developer of the MOWIP methodology and GSS Lab's primary implementation partner; both publish MOWIP reports, run regional workshops, and advise governments on security sector reform and gender-responsive institutions.
• Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC): Partnered with GSS Lab on the Ghana Armed Forces MOWIP survey; a leading African training and research institution working on peacekeeping and gender in security.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GSSLab
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gsslab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Gender and Security Sector Lab