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FTS: The Sisterhood: Unveiling the Secret History of Women at the CIA

May 18, 2025
Liza Mundy, an award-winning journalist and author of 'The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA', dives into the hidden experiences of women within the CIA. She uncovers their challenges in a male-dominated environment and discusses the fallout from recent sexual harassment scandals. Mundy shares humorous tales from retired CIA operatives while highlighting the vital roles women play in espionage, particularly post-9/11. The conversation also touches on female solidarity within the agency and the urgency of recognizing their contributions to intelligence history.
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INSIGHT

CIA's Complexity and Humanity

  • CIA employees are ordinary humans navigating a complex world and institution.
  • The agency's internal workings often feel mysterious even to its own personnel.
INSIGHT

Sexual Harassment in CIA Persisting

  • Sexual harassment remains a significant issue in the CIA despite vetting and psychological screening.
  • The agency's closed, classified nature complicates addressing these issues transparently.
ANECDOTE

Women Case Officers' Unique Role

  • Female case officers often handled the most sensitive assets in the Middle East.
  • Their effectiveness stemmed from cultural perceptions, including the reverence Arab men have for their mothers.
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