Women, Peace, and Security is an internationally recognized term with a related multilateral agenda which aims to "empower half the
world’s population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace," while recognizing "the disproportionate and unique
impact of armed conflict on women and children (The United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, June 2016)."
“Above all, we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of every person, and share the hope of
every soul to live in freedom. That is who we are.” President Donald Trump, July 2017.
US National Security Strategy (Nov 2017)
“There can be no moral equivalency between nations that uphold the rule of law, empower women and respect individual rights of those
that brutalize and suppress their people… Governments that respect the rights of their citizens remains the best vehicle for prosperity, hu-
man happiness, and peace. In contrast, governments that routinely abuse the rights of their children do not play constructive roles in the
world. For example, governments that fail to treat women equally do not allow their societies to reach their potent ial… We must empower
women and youth. Societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peaceful. We will
support to advance women’s equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and youth empowerment program.”
2000
2011
2011
2012
2013 * 2016
2017
NAP
(rev.)
* under revision
When President Trump signed the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Act of 2017 into law this past October, he led
the United States as the first state to enact the United Nations Security Council’s Women, Peace, and Security
agenda into national law.
A WPS Strategy is due by October 2018
The DOD Implementation Guide outlines the following Actions to be taken and reported on annually by the U.S. Military:
1.1 - Incorporate NAP objectives into guidance and planning documents.
1.2 – Ensure appropriate training for personnel.
1.3 – Designate personnel responsible for coordination of implementation.
2.1a – Assist improving recruitment and retention of women in ministries and incorporation of women’s perspectives into peace and
security policy.
2.1b – Provide common guidelines and training to integrate women and their perspectives into security sectors.
2.1e – Mobilize men as allies in support of women’s leadership and participation in security-related processes and decision-making.
2.1f – Utilize public diplomacy and engagement to advocate for women’s leadership and participation, and to overcome barriers.
2.2 – Assist building capacity to develop, implement, and enforce policies and military justice systems that promote and protect women’s rights.
3.4 – Increase attention to the needs of male survivors, particularly boys, in GBV prevention and response programs.
5.3 – Support demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration programs, including sustainable livelihood alternatives, that address the distinct
needs of male and female ex-combatants and those associated with forces in other capacities.