On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, PRIF researchers and members of the Scientific Advisory Board hosted a round table followed by a Q&A at PRIF on April 29. Laura Camila Barrios Sabogal, Majlinda Behrami, Sophia Birchinger, Annika Björkdahl and Arlene Tickner took part in the panel discussion, while Clara Perras welcomed the attendees and Madita Standke-Erdmann moderated the event.
The event emphasized that the WPS Agenda is not just a policy tool but a feminist knowledge system, shaped by decades of activism and the contributions of “new knowers”, challenging who gets to produce and apply knowledge in peacebuilding. But Experts and researchers also suggested that feminist principles and the WPS Agenda are increasingly attacked, delegitimized, and under threat. Drawing on the many years of experience of Annika and Arlene and the scientific perspectives of Sophia, Majlinda and Laura, it became clear that the WPS agenda is facing serious challenges today. Both experts and researchers reported on systemic backlash against gender equality, orchestrated resistance to inclusive language, and the reassertion of patriarchal and authoritarian politics across global and local levels.
For the WPS Agenda to remain relevant and effective and a robust reference point for feminist peace work, it must confront the root causes of violence: patriarchy, militarism, and structural inequality. This means expanding beyond a narrow focus on “women”, addressing masculinities, and insisting on inclusive, intersectional approaches to peace and security rooted in lived realities.
The WPS Agenda originated from UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2000. In it, member states pledge to include a gender perspective in peace and security policy. Among other aspects, the WPS Agenda calls for the participation of women in peace processes, the role of women in the prevention of conflicts, protection against sexualized violence in conflicts and gender equality in reconstruction and reintegration.
The event highlighted the Agenda's importance in times of backlash. This became apparent on the very same day: on the morning of April 29, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ended the WPS program for his department.
