The Women, Peace, and Security PS Agenda Needs to Counter Rough Headwinds : Shared by Misrak Elias

The WPS Agenda Needs Strong Wills to Counter Rough Headwinds

Cristal Downing, PassBlue – October 5, 2025

Click here for the article

Summary

As the UN prepares for its annual Women, Peace and Security (WPS) debate on October 6, the author warns that gains on women’s rights in conflict are eroding amid a global backlash. The U.S. has narrowed gender references in UN documents and weakened support for women in peacekeeping, while many governments remain silent for fear of U.S. retaliation. The UN, facing its own financial strain, has been reluctant to push back.

Colombia’s experience shows how weak political will undermines gender equality commitments. Despite international support for gender provisions in its peace accord and WPS Action Plan, implementation lags without clear government messaging. The essay urges pro-WPS states — such as Denmark, France, the UK, and others — to speak out collectively to keep the agenda alive and resist regression.

Quotes

“Commitments to gender equality aren’t just falling by the wayside — they are being bulldozed to the ground.”

“Political messages that counter the U.S. narrative are urgently needed to prevent the agenda from backsliding further.”