Women, Peace and Security

Article | Last updated: 14/09/2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In 2000 the UN Security Council adopted the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The resolution emphasize that war and conflicts affect men, boys, women, and girls differently. Therefore, both men and women need to take part in decisions related to peace and security. Inclusive and gender sensitive processes are crucial, to provide sustainable peace and security for all.

Norway was one of the first countries to develop a national action plan on women, peace and security, in 2006. Women, peace and security was a priority area for Norway in the Security Council (2021-2022). Norway’s 5^th National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) aims to strengthen national and international implementation of the WPS agenda in the period 2023-2030.

The action plan follows up on the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and associated resolutions on women, peace and security, as well as the wider agenda for women, peace and security. Norway has long been an international leader on the WPS agenda, and was among the first countries in the world to develop a national action plan in 2006. Norway also supports a number of partner countries and countries in conflict with the development of their own action plans.

The new national action plan has three main areas of action:

Peace processes and implementation of peace agreements
Security policy and operations
Humanitarian efforts, protection of civilians and human rights

Women, peace and security efforts shall be given particular priority in the extended list of priority countries and through multilateral cooperation in e.g. UN, regional organisations, NATO and OSCE. The plan also emphasizes the integration of the WPS agenda into national security and defense policy, which is further actualized by the security situation in Europe. Long-term focus areas are continued, but new global challenges have been added, such as the impact of climate change on peace and security.

The action plan has been developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the Ministry of Culture and Equality, the Ministry of Labor and Social Inclusion and the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Norwegian civil society organisations, research institutions and other WPS experts have also contributed input to the action plan. Research institutions and civil society organisations will also be important partners in the government's further follow-up of the plan.