Women make up half of the world’s population — and research consistently shows that when they take an active role in political, economic, and security matters, outcomes improve for everyone. But simply “being present” is not enough. Around the globe, women are driving real, lasting change through four critical roles: participation, prevention, protection, and relief & recovery.
These pillars form the heart of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework, first established by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 in 2000, and strengthened by nine additional UNSC resolutions since. They highlight how women’s leadership is not just a moral responsibility but also a smart, strategic move toward building a more peaceful world.
1. Participation: Women’s Voices Make Peace Last
History has proven that peace agreements involving women are more durable. In the 1990s, during the Northern Ireland conflict, women from the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition played a pivotal role in shaping the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of violence. By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, women help ensure that peace addresses the needs of entire communities — and that it endures.
2. Prevention: Stopping Violence Before It Starts
Women’s coalitions and civic groups are powerful agents of conflict prevention. In Mali, for example, Case de la Paix — a coalition of 76 women’s associations from different ethnic and community backgrounds — has worked since 2013 to promote political stability, regional security, and social cohesion. When governments engage women leaders, teachers, and religious figures in promoting nonviolence, they help prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control.
3. Protection: Ending Violence to Strengthen Peace
Prioritizing women’s safety is vital for lasting security. In many conflicts, sexual violence is used as a weapon to control communities. Monitoring and prosecuting these crimes not only delivers justice but also helps societies heal faster.
In Ukraine, following the 2022 Russian invasion, women mobilized to fight against gender-based violence, human trafficking, and conflict-related sexual violence. A specialized CRSV department, led by a female prosecutor, was created within Ukraine’s War Crime Unit to ensure accountability for these crimes.
4. Relief & Recovery: Women Leading the Way to Healing
When women lead peacekeeping and recovery efforts, communities rebuild faster. Female peacekeepers often have better access to local populations — particularly other women — and are able to foster trust, stability, and cooperation. Yet, women remain underrepresented in peacekeeping roles, making up only 30% of civilian personnel and just 7.9% of military, police, justice, and corrections staff in UN field missions. Expanding women’s presence here could dramatically improve post-conflict recovery.
Why This Matters Globally
Countries with high gender inequality are more than twice as likely to become fragile states. The evidence is clear: when women are actively involved in peace and security processes, nations become safer, stronger, and more resilient. Championing the WPS agenda is not just about fairness — it’s about creating a more stable, peaceful future for everyone.
