Allies endorse a new NATO Policy on Women, Peace and Security at the Summit in Washington

In line with the 2022 Strategic Concept, the new policy provides a political framework for NATO to further promote the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda across all of the Alliance’s core tasks. It acknowledges that gender mainstreaming enhances NATO’s political decision-making, operational effectiveness, and all efforts to achieve gender equality. It also recognises that gender equality and the WPS agenda are integral to sustainable peace and reflect the Alliance’s core values and priorities. 

The new policy outlines four strategic objectives: to strengthen gender-responsive leadership and accountability; to increase women’s participation at all levels, including decision-making and leadership; to prevent threats that have a disproportionate impact on women and girls; and to protect women and girls against gender-based violence. It recognises the close linkages between NATO’s WPS and Human Security agendas, notably in the area of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV), as highlighted during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

For the first time, the policy references new and emerging challenges such as gendered disinformation, Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), and the gender dimensions of climate change and artificial intelligence. It also emphasises the importance of partnerships with civil society and calls for greater cooperation with the private sector, particularly on technology-related threats.

“As we mark NATO’s 75th anniversary and approach the 25 years of the UNSCR 1325, this new Women, Peace and Security Policy represents our renewed commitment to uphold the values that enhance the unity and resilience of our Alliance” said Ms. Irene Fellin, Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security.

NATO’s first ever policy on WPS was adopted in 2007. At the Vilnius Summit in 2023, Allies committed to updating it. While the implementation of the global WPS agenda remains primarily a national responsibility, NATO provides a unique platform for coordinating efforts and fostering closer cooperation among nations, partner countries, and other regional and international stakeholders.