The 21^st Century has seen civilians constitute the majority a of post- conflict casualties with women and girls often being deliberately targeted during conflict.  While men, women, girls and boys all experience conflict and disaster uniquely, women and children are the disproportionately affected groups.

There now exists a strong evidence base that women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes is core to military operational effectiveness – and yet their voices go unheard. By including this 50% of the population, we can strengthen the protection efforts of peacekeepers, improve prevention of radicalisation, accelerate economic recovery and aid the conclusion and implementation of more sustainable peace building agreements.

The CHODs Network

The then Vice Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Gordon Messenger made the first formal step to implementing UNSCR in to the military and created the Chiefs of Defence Network. This network exists to support member states’ efforts to implement the WPS agenda and work to build capacities and increase opportunities for women at the local, national, and regional levels.

By sharing our progress and practice across nations, we can hold each other accountable in reprioritising this agenda to make actual change.