Women, peace and security and US foreign policy

The UN’s women, peace and security agenda works towards the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in peace and security discussions globally. This briefing looks at the agenda’s uncertain future in US foreign policy. 

Women's inclusion is central to building sustainable peace. Evidence has consistently shown the huge benefits associated with women's participation. A recent study of 40 peace processes found that in all cases but one, those that included women resulted in agreements (and were also likely to last longer). 

This briefing outlines the evidence and shows that women's inclusion is crucial to US foreign policy interests for supporting peace abroad. It then goes through the threats that the WPS agenda faces in Washington and makes recommendations on what can be done to ensure its future.