Security equality, engendering peace: a guide to policy and planning on women, peace and security

Creating action plans on women, peace and security

By: Valasek K & Nelson K
Published by: United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), 2006
Via: Eldis

In the realm of women’s rights and gender equality the commitments made at the international and national levels remain far from the day-to-day realities of women’s lives. This guide examines the formulation and implementation of concrete policies and plans. It specifically concentrates on the creation of action plans on the issue of women, peace and security (WPS). Designed as a resource for governments, United Nations and regional organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) the purpose of this guide is to help facilitate the development of realistic action plans on women, peace and security through the provision of good practices, specific recommendations and a six-step model process. Conclusions towards implementation include the importance of an inclusive, participatory process for drafting an action plan that includes clear objectives, initiatives, and accountability, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. In addition the guide points out the common challenges to the implementation of WPS plans and policies, including lacks of:

• funding
• political will
• capacity
• coordination
• monitoring and evaluation
  

Therefore awareness raising, capacity-building, coordination, M&E and advocacy initiatives are essential for the successful implementation of WPS action plans.
(http://www.un-instraw.org/en/images/stories//1325guide-finalen.pdf)