- Gender and inclusive mediation processes.
- UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
- The UN and international conflict resolution, conflict management and peacebuilding.
- The emergence and diffusion of norms, with special emphasis on the normative framework of 'women, peace and security'.
- The inter-play between civil society organizations, the UN system and UN member states in policy development.
- Foreign policy and women in diplomacy
Torunn L. Tryggestad
Senior Researcher
Interests and experience
Projects
All projects
Dec 2024 –
Survey on Attitudes Towards the Role of Women in Ukraine
Survey on Attitudes Towards the Role of Women in Ukraine
Jun 2021 – Dec 2026
EuroWARCHILD
EuroWARCHILD
May 2017 –
Global Women, Peace and Security Index
Global Women, Peace and Security Index
Dec 2015 –
PRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and Security
PRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and Security
Nov 2015 –
Nordic Women Mediators (NWM)
Nordic Women Mediators (NWM)
Nov 2015 –
Nordic Women Mediators – Norway (NWM-Norway)
Nordic Women Mediators – Norway (NWM-Norway)
Feb 2013 –
Missing Peace Initiative
Missing Peace Initiative
Jan 2013 –
High-Level Seminars on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Processes
High-Level Seminars on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Processes
Dec 2023 – Dec 2023
Oslo Peace Days 2023
Oslo Peace Days 2023
Jan 2021 – Dec 2022
Norway on the UN Security Council: PRIO Resources
Norway on the UN Security Council: PRIO Resources
Latest publications
All publications
Andrea Cocciarelli et al. (2025)
Children born of war in Ukraine: Policy considerations for a future peace
Children born of war in Ukraine: Policy considerations for a future peace
GPS Policy Brief
Kristian Berg Harpviken & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2025)
Norway's Peace Diplomacy: Punching above It's Weight?
Norway's Peace Diplomacy: Punching above It's Weight?
Book chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Norwegian Politics
Eric Skoog, Stine Bosheim & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2025)
Institutional trust and perceptions of crime in Ukraine: The gender dimension
Institutional trust and perceptions of crime in Ukraine: The gender dimension
GPS Policy Brief
Eric Skoog, Stine Bosheim & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2025)
Experiences of war and women’s changing roles in Ukraine
Experiences of war and women’s changing roles in Ukraine
GPS Policy Brief
Eric Skoog, Stine Bosheim & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2025)
Knowledge of sexual and domestic violence in Ukrainian society
Knowledge of sexual and domestic violence in Ukrainian society
GPS Policy Brief
Nora Kristine Stai et al. (2025)
Women Ambassadors in the UN Security Council: Are They Shaping the Practice of Diplomacy?
Women Ambassadors in the UN Security Council: Are They Shaping the Practice of Diplomacy?
Book chapter in Gender and Diplomacy: Critical Junctures, Innovations and Future Research Directions
Kristian Berg Harpviken & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2025)
Norsk fredsengasjement. Spenning mellom idealisme og interesser?
Norsk fredsengasjement. Spenning mellom idealisme og interesser?
Book chapter in Dilemmaer i norsk utenrikspolitikk
Torunn L. Tryggestad (2023)
"Kvinner, fred og sikkerhet" i FNs sikkerhetsråd: Norsk innsats og statusbygging
"Kvinner, fred og sikkerhet" i FNs sikkerhetsråd: Norsk innsats og statusbygging
Journal article in Internasjonal politikk
Inger Skjelsbæk et al. (2023)
Dempet statsfeminist? Nasjonale tradisjoner og globale utviklingstrekk i Søreides periode som utenriksminister
Dempet statsfeminist? Nasjonale tradisjoner og globale utviklingstrekk i Søreides periode som utenriksminister
Journal article in Internasjonal Politikk
Nora Kristine Stai & Torunn L. Tryggestad (2022)
One year on: Norway and the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the UN Security Council
One year on: Norway and the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the UN Security Council
GPS Policy Brief
Latest news
All news
Monday, 27 Oct 2025
New report raises alarm on lack of progress globally for women’s rights and wellbeing
New report raises alarm on lack of progress globally for women’s rights and wellbeing
Progress for women’s rights and wellbeing has stalled globally, according to the 2025/26 Women, Peace and Security Index launched today in New York.
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2025
PRIO partners in major European Research Council project on the conduct of war
PRIO partners in major European Research Council project on the conduct of war
PRIO is proud to announce its partnership in a major new European Research Council-funded research initiative.
Friday, 9 May 2025
In Times of Rising Conflict, UN Seminar Showcases Inclusive Approaches to Peace Mediation
In Times of Rising Conflict, UN Seminar Showcases Inclusive Approaches to Peace Mediation
Mediators, peacebuilders and policymakers gathered in Porvoo, Finland for the 14th UN High-Level Seminar on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Strategies.
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025
Oslo Conference to Mark 25 Years of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
Oslo Conference to Mark 25 Years of UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
PRIO’s Centre on Gender, Peace and Security is co-hosting a conference marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2025
Roundtable on Chinese perspectives on global developments
Roundtable on Chinese perspectives on global developments
On 4 March, PRIO hosted a roundtable on Chinese perspectives on global issues during the official visit of a Chinese delegation led by Vice Minister LU Kang (IDCPC). Scholars in Oslo joined to discuss China-Norway relations, geopolitics, and multilateralism.
Monday, 6 Jan 2025
Apply now: PRIO Peace Research Course at the International Summer School
Apply now: PRIO Peace Research Course at the International Summer School
The PRIO Peace Research Course at the International Summer School is now opening for students to apply for places for the 2025 programme.
Friday, 11 Oct 2024
PRIO Researchers to Evaluate Norway’s Engagement in Afghanistan
PRIO Researchers to Evaluate Norway’s Engagement in Afghanistan
PRIO’s Deputy Director Torunn L. Tryggestad and PRIO Research Professor Kristian Berg Harpviken are both appointed members of new commission on Afghanistan.
Thursday, 6 Jun 2024
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
What is the legacy of Rwanda and other atrocity crimes, and how are sexual and gender-based crimes addressed in today’s conflicts? The public was invited to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda genocide.
Friday, 31 May 2024
PhD course on Gender, Peace and Conflict successfully convened
PhD course on Gender, Peace and Conflict successfully convened
On 29-31 May, the GPS Centre, in collaboration with the NORHED II project, hosted doctoral candidates from all over the world at the PhD-level course "Gender, Peace and Conflict".
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2024
International Peace Mediators Gather in Oslo to Strengthen Women’s inclusion in Peace Processes
International Peace Mediators Gather in Oslo to Strengthen Women’s inclusion in Peace Processes
Over two dozen top peace negotiators gather this week in Oslo for the thirteenth UN High-Level Seminar on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Strategies.
Latest events
All events
Monday, 27 Oct 2025 18:15–19:45 UTC+01
Livestream: The 2025 Global Women, Peace & Security Index launch
Livestream: The 2025 Global Women, Peace & Security Index launch
Monday, 11 Aug 2025 15:00–15:45 UTC+02
Globale tilbakeslag for kvinners rettigheter: Hva er Norges rolle?
Globale tilbakeslag for kvinners rettigheter: Hva er Norges rolle?
11–13 Aug 2025
PRIO at Arendalsuka
PRIO at Arendalsuka
Tuesday, 8 Oct 2024 17:00–19:00 UTC+02
Boklansering: «Sarajevos roser: Krigen i Bosnia og dens etterliv»
Boklansering: «Sarajevos roser: Krigen i Bosnia og dens etterliv»
Thursday, 22 Aug 2024 09:00–10:30 UTC+02
Geopolitics and Women’s Rights Activism in Afghanistan
Geopolitics and Women’s Rights Activism in Afghanistan
Thursday, 6 Jun 2024 09:00–11:00 UTC+02
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
Friday, 8 Mar 2024 08:30–11:00 UTC+01
Women and War: Overlooked Histories and Experiences
Women and War: Overlooked Histories and Experiences
Friday, 8 Dec 2023 09:00–10:30 UTC+01
The Best and Worst Places for Women in the World - A panel on the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023
The Best and Worst Places for Women in the World - A panel on the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023
Wednesday, 6 Dec 2023 18:00–20:00 UTC+01
Children of the Enemy – Film Seminar
Children of the Enemy – Film Seminar
Thursday, 23 Nov 2023 16:00–17:30 UTC+01
Is There a Future for Nordic Peace Engagement?
Is There a Future for Nordic Peace Engagement?
Latest comments
All comments
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025
How do women ambassadors reshape diplomacy at the UN Security Council?
How do women ambassadors reshape diplomacy at the UN Security Council?
Tuesday, 24 May 2022
Украинские женщины участвуют в сопротивлении и должны участвовать в мирных переговорах: новые данные опросов
Украинские женщины участвуют в сопротивлении и должны участвовать в мирных переговорах: новые данные опросов
Saturday, 30 Apr 2022
Українські жінки беруть участь в опорі і мають брати участь у мирних перемовинах: результати нового опитування
Українські жінки беруть участь в опорі і мають брати участь у мирних перемовинах: результати нового опитування
Friday, 29 Apr 2022
Ukrainian Women Engage in Resistance and Should Be in the Peace Talks: New Survey Evidence
Ukrainian Women Engage in Resistance and Should Be in the Peace Talks: New Survey Evidence
Sunday, 6 Mar 2022
Children Born of War Should be More Than an Afterthought
Children Born of War Should be More Than an Afterthought
Tuesday, 23 Nov 2021
Norway Promises to Increase Focus on “Women, Peace and Security”
Norway Promises to Increase Focus on “Women, Peace and Security”
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2019
"We need to build bridges": Project Leader Marianne Dahl and GPS Director Torunn L. Tryggestad on the Women, Peace and Security Index
"We need to build bridges": Project Leader Marianne Dahl and GPS Director Torunn L. Tryggestad on the Women, Peace and Security Index
Monday, 17 Dec 2018
Children Born of War Are Not the Enemy. How Can They Be Integrated into Society?
Children Born of War Are Not the Enemy. How Can They Be Integrated into Society?
Friday, 26 Oct 2018
The Feminist Foreign Policy Agenda: Resolution 1325’s Legacy
The Feminist Foreign Policy Agenda: Resolution 1325’s Legacy
Thursday, 8 Mar 2018
No Peace Without Women!
No Peace Without Women!
Recorded event
Globale tilbakeslag for kvinners rettigheter: Hva er Norges rolle?
Globale tilbakeslag for kvinners rettigheter: Hva er Norges rolle?
Recorded event
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
30 Years After the Genocide in Rwanda: Gender, Accountability and Atrocity Prevention
Podcast episode
Women in Peace Mediation: The Israeli and Palestinian Women Working for Peace
Women in Peace Mediation: The Israeli and Palestinian Women Working for Peace
Recorded event
The Best and Worst Places for Women in the World - A panel on the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023
The Best and Worst Places for Women in the World - A panel on the Women, Peace and Security Index 2023
Podcast episode
Afghanistan's Earthquakes: The Plight of Afghan Women
Afghanistan's Earthquakes: The Plight of Afghan Women
In the media
May 2025
PRIO Deputy Director Torunn Tryggestad was interviewed in a longform article about the global decline of women’s rights for the Norwegian aid magazine, Panorama Nyheter.
November 2023
The 2023 Women, Peace and Security Index co-authored was featured in the media, including by Voice of America, US News, UK Glamour magazine, the French edition of Cosmopolitan magazine, the Russian edition of Forbes magazine, The Print, Press News Agency, IPS News, German outlet Evangelische Zeitung, New Delhi Times, Afghanistan’s Kkaama Press news agency and Tolo News, Italy 24 News, News Es Euro, Europa Today, Greek outlets Day Press, Palo, New Money, Money Review, Say Yes to the Press and To BHMA, El Espanol, China Global TV Network, The Philippine Star, Aktualnosci News, ATN News, Chosun, GovNews, Albanian Post, Norwegian outlet Sol, Semana, Fjala, Gazeta Dita, Las Primeras, Aferci, Maszol, BNN, Thraki Today, El Caribe, Nigeria’s Premium Times, Somalia’s AllBanaadir, Anabel Magazine, Media Talk Africa, Black Facts news, Romania’s Radio Cluj, All Africa, Pristina Insight, Geographical UK, The Frontier Post, Bild der Frau, Norway News Today, Dominican Republic Live, Flaka, Minutove Zpravy, Prensa News, Koha, Hronikatm, Vecherka, 24.kg, Eurasia Net, Miss 7, Kosova Post, Psychologies magazine, Yahoo Life and Kazakhstan’s Tengri News.
March 2023
PRIO Deputy Director Torunn L. Tryggestad was interviewed by the German news website, Der Spiegel, on a PRIO news article she featured in, calling the former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs a cautious state feminist.
PRIO started listing media appearances on profiles in 2023. Earlier media appearances may not be listed.
Work positions
2015–
DirectorPRIO Centre on Gender, Peace and SecurityPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2014–
Senior ResearcherPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2017–2025
Deputy DirectorPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2017–2019
Associate Professor (10% position)Department of Psychology, University in OsloPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2006–2015
Researcher and Project ManagerThe Gender, Conflict and Peacebuilding ProjectPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2005–2009
Associated ResearcherLiberal Peace and the Ethics of War ProjectPeace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
2004–2005
Acting DirectorDepartment for International Politics, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
2004–2005
Researcher and Co-ordinatorUN programme on Peacekeeping and Multinational Operations, NUPI
2003
AdviserUN Section, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
1995
Research AssistantUN Programme, NUPI
1995–2003
Co-ordinator and DirectorTraining for Peace in Southern Africa Project, NUPI
1994–1995
Student ScholarshipUN Programme on Peacekeeping and Multinational Operations
Education
2022
Course participant
Norwegian Armed Forces' Information Course
2014
Dr. Polit. Degree in Political Science
University of Oslo
1992–1995
Master's Degree in Political Science (cand. polit.)
University of Oslo
1990–1992
Bachelor degree in political science, social anthropology and examen philosophy
University of Oslo
1989–1990
One year course in development studies
Agder Regional College
1988–1989
One year course in political science
Molde Regional College
Other positions and memberships
2020
Member of Reference Group
The Bjarnason Report
2019–2024
Member
Kilden's Advisory Board
2017–2023
Board Member
Care Norway
2016–2017
Core Group Member
NATO Civil Society Advisory Panel (CSAP)
2015–2024
Expert Member
Independent committee for the Student Peace Prize 2015, 2017, 2019, 2025.
2015–2020
Member
UN Secretary-General's 4th and 5th Peacebuilding Fund Advisory Group
2015–2017
Board Member
United Nations Association of Norway
2013–2017
Board Member
Union at PRIO (Forskerforbundet)
2010–2013
Committee Member
Foreign Ministry Advisory Committee on Security Policy (Sikkerhetspolitisk utvalg)
2009–2014
Co-founder
Women and Security (WaS) NetworkNetwork comprising of women from academia, public sector (ministries such as Foreign Affairs and Defence), NGOs and public information professionals working with/on defence, security and foreign policy issues.
2003–2017
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board of the United Nations Association of Norway, Section East.
