Women, Peace, and Security: Evaluating the impact of UNSCR 1325 through National Action Plans

Abstract

Motivation The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, derived from United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, serves as a crucial framework for addressing the gendered dimensions of conflict and peacebuilding. Despite the adoption of National Action Plans (NAPs) by over 100 countries, the implementation of UNSCR 1325 remains uneven, with persistent challenges that include limited funding, weak accountability mechanisms, and deeply ingrained cultural resistance. This study is thus motivated by the urgent need to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of NAPs in achieving the goals of UNSCR 1325 and to identify actionable strategies to strengthen their implementation. Purpose This research aims to meticulously assess the implementation of NAPs across selected countries, identifying both exemplary best practices and formidable challenges. Ultimately, its purpose is to provide concrete policy recommendations to enhance effectiveness. The central research question guiding this study is: how effective are NAPs in implementing the provisions of UNSCR 1325, and what are the key factors for their success or failure? Approach and methods A robust mixed‐methods approach is employed, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding. This involves in‐depth case studies of NAP implementation in Liberia, the Philippines, Norway, and Iraq, drawing extensively on publicly available policy documents, official reports, and pertinent indicators from the Global WPS Index. Findings The study reveals that while NAPs have demonstrably advanced gender‐sensitive policies in some contexts, their overall effectiveness is significantly hindered by persistent structural barriers, chronic lack of dedicated funding, and weak accountability mechanisms. Women, in particular, remain consistently underrepresented in peace processes, and gender‐based violence regrettably persists as a pervasive issue in conflict zones. Conversely, countries that exhibit strong political will, ensure adequate funding and foster inclusive stakeholder engagement have shown significant progress in implementing their NAPs. Policy implications The findings unequivocally highlight the critical need for increased funding, the establishment of stronger accountability mechanisms, and comprehensive legal and institutional reforms to genuinely promote gender equality. Policy‐makers must strategically prioritize women's full and meaningful participation in peace processes, proactively address entrenched cultural resistance, and improve international cooperation to bolster the effective implementation of NAPs. These concerted efforts are indispensable to realize the transformative goals of the WPS agenda and to promote the creation of more inclusive and sustainable peace worldwide.