Two Decades of Agenda 1325 on Women in Peace and Security: Women’s Engagement, and Challenges in International Peace and Security

Abstract

The United Nations Security Council Resolution-1325 is a milestone for women’s peace
and security (WPS) and upholds significant global impact. However, after the 20th
anniversary of the resolution, overall progress is not good enough. Till now women
make up less than 8 percent of uniformed personnel which indicates the barriers while
unfairness remains in place that shrinks women’s capacity to meaningful participation
in UN peace missions. Though the inclusion of women in peace negotiations are slowly
advancing, but the achievements are not satisfactory. The study articulates that
patriarchal-social structure, military masculinity, and organizational culture have been
excluding women from participating in the national security forces, which is reflected
in women’s more minor participation in international peace and security. Resolution1325 overlooked these root causes and institutional barriers regarding gender balance
in the national military and police. The study advocates re-politicizing the WPS agenda
including policy renovation on gender equal opportunity in the national police and
army, for the wider contribution of women in international peace and security.