SIDE BY SIDE
Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) is featured in the November 2017 U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS). The NSS calls
for the empowerment of women to enable societies to reach their full potential, and recognizes that societies which empower
women to participate fully in civic and economic life are more prosperous and peaceful. It stipulates support for advancement
of women's equality, protecting the rights of women and girls, and promoting women's and youth empowerment programs.
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in 2000. It affirms the import-
ant role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humani-
tarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of equal participation and full involvement in all
efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security (UNSCR 1325, 2000).
Thereafter, U.S. Executive Order 13595 was signed in 2011 and directed the implementation of the plan throughout the federal
government. Since then, the United States has become the first country to enact comprehensive WPS guidance into law with
the passing of the 2017 WPS Act. The Act consists of three key areas. First, the "U.S. should be a global leader in promoting the
participation of women in conflict prevention, management, resolution, and post-conflict relief and recovery efforts." Second,
"the political participation and leadership of women in fragile environments, particularly during political transitions, is critical to
sustaining democratic institutions." Finally, "the participation of women in conflict and conflict resolution helps promote more
inclusive and democratic societies and is critical to country and regional stability."
Correspondingly, "the Department of Defense shall ensure that relevant personnel receive training in conflict prevention, peace
processes, mitigation, resolution, and security initiatives addressing the importance of participation by women. It shall also
include gender considerations and participation by women, including training regarding international human rights law and
protecting civilians from violence, exploitation, and trafficking in persons (WPS Act of 2017).
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