A female frontier: Women, peace and security

This week, the Philippines had the distinction of hosting the first ministerial-level International Conference on Women, Peace and Security in Pasay City.

- ENDO KAZUYA

From the 28th to the 30th of October, the conference shined a spotlight on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, with over 70 countries, including Japan, engaged in meaningful exchanges in support of the concept.

Centered around the theme of “Forging Collaboration and Convergence for Advancing Women, Peace and Security,” it was a compelling experience coming together with other nations in recognizing more women voices in our commitment to regional stability. Having had the privilege to speak at some of the conference’s events, I would like to take this opportunity to share the agenda’s growing importance with a wider audience.

The Women, Peace and Security Agenda

The Women, Peace and Security agenda, or known as another “WPS,” gives due focus on the experiences of women and their role in matters of conflict resolution and international security. Through the first formal mention of WPS through United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1325, member-states were enjoined to incorporate gender-focused perspectives in peace initiatives, as well as safeguard women from gender-based violence.

Seeking to amplify the voices of women, the WPS agenda further underscores the need for the growing participation of women in significant processes for peace. As more women are encouraged to take a more active role in peacebuilding, more stakeholders for stability are created and help foster a more favorable outlook towards women as pivotal drivers for peace.