Since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, the global community has recognized the The Women, Peace, and Security Chiefs of Defence (WPS CHODs) Network extends an open invitation to Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) worldwide to join this groundbreaking Network, dedicated to advancing gender equality and promoting the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325. Established to foster collaboration at the highest levels of military leadership, the WPS CHODs Network seeks to drive meaningful change in the implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda across global defence forces.

Why Join the WPS CHODs Network?

Since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, the global community has recognized the vital role of women in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and security operations. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles within national militaries. The WPS CHODs Network provides a unique forum for military leaders to share best practices, collaborate on initiatives, and strengthen the capacity of their respective armed forces to promote gender equality in security sectors.

By becoming a member of the Network, you will be part of a collective of military leaders committed to advancing the four pillars of UNSCR 1325:

1. Prevention – Encouraging the adoption of gender-responsive policies to prevent conflict and violence.
2. Participation – Advocating for greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles at all levels of military and defence operations.
3. Protection – Ensuring the protection of women and girls in conflict settings and upholding their rights.
4. Relief and Recovery – Supporting the integration of gender perspectives in post-conflict reconstruction and recovery processes.

Membership Guidelines

The WPS CHODs Network is committed to inclusivity and invites all UN Member States that are willing to support and advance the WPS agenda in their national militaries. According to the WPS CHODs Network Charter:

• Section III.1: Membership is open to all UN Member States that demonstrate a willingness to integrate the WPS agenda into their military structures. Each member state should be represented by the most senior levels of national military leadership, such as Chiefs of Defence or their Deputies.

• Section III.2: Membership is also extended to senior military representatives from the United Nations, regional and multinational security organizations, as well as multinational NGOs. Any Chief of a Defence force, including those from international organizations, may apply for membership, either by invitation or on their own initiative. Requests for membership should be directed to the Chair of the Network, and upon acceptance, the applicant will be formally recognized as a member of the Network.

How to Apply

Chiefs of Defence and eligible military leaders interested in joining the WPS CHODs Network can submit their membership requests to the Chair of the Network. The application process is simple:

1. Submit a formal request addressed to the Chair of the WPS CHODs Network.
2. Upon receipt, the Chair will review the request.
3. Once accepted, the new member will be formally integrated into the Network and be able to participate in all activities, discussions, and events.

Be Part of a Global Movement for Change

By joining the WPS CHODs Network, you are committing to building a more inclusive, resilient, and gender-responsive military. As part of this global network, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of peace and security, ensuring that women’s voices and perspectives are included in every aspect of defence leadership.

To submit a request or to learn more about the WPS CHODs Network, please contact the Secretariat at MDL_WPSCHODS.secretariat@defenceforces.ie.

Let us work together to break down barriers and build stronger, more inclusive security forces worldwide. We look forward to welcoming new members who share our vision for advancing Women, Peace, and Security.

In our continued effort to promote and strengthen the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda across global defence forces, the WPS CHODs Network is excited to announce the development of an Online Resource Centre. This platform, accessible through the WPS CHODs Network website, will serve as a comprehensive repository of resource materials for member countries, aimed at enhancing the exchange of knowledge, tools, and best practices related to the WPS agenda.

Purpose of the Online Resource Centre

The Online Resource Centre will provide WPS CHODs Network members with access to a wealth of information, including but not limited to:

• WPS-related Policies: A collection of international policies that support the integration of the WPS agenda into military frameworks.
• Training Templates: Training modules and templates that member countries can use or adapt to promote gender mainstreaming in their armed forces.
• Publications and Reports: Research papers, case studies, and reports on various aspects of the WPS agenda, ranging from women’s participation in peace processes to gender-sensitive approaches in military operations.
• Guidelines and Best Practices: Practical tools and guidelines that can help military leaders incorporate WPS priorities into their defence institutions.

This platform aims to empower member countries with the knowledge and tools they need to develop and implement policies that promote gender equality and strengthen the role of women in peace and security efforts.

Call for Contributions

To build this resource, we are inviting all WPS CHODs Network members to share valuable materials that could be beneficial to the broader community. We encourage members to contribute:

• WPS-related publications, including research studies, analysis, and case studies.
• Policy documents or policy templates that demonstrate effective ways to integrate the WPS agenda into military frameworks.
• Training materials that reflect best practices in promoting gender equality and ensuring women’s active participation in peace and security.
• Innovative approaches and success stories from their own countries that highlight the implementation of WPS strategies.

By sharing these resources, members will help build a rich library of information that others can draw upon to advance WPS efforts in their own contexts.

Why Your Contribution Matters

The success of the WPS CHODs Network lies in the collective knowledge and experience of its members. By contributing to the Online Resource Centre, you are:

• Supporting shared learning: Your materials can serve as models or inspiration for other member states looking to adopt or refine their WPS-related policies and practices.
• Advancing the WPS agenda globally: The more resources that are available, the better equipped our community will be to tackle the challenges of promoting gender equality in defence and security.
• Showcasing your country’s leadership: Your contributions will highlight the proactive steps your country is taking to implement UNSCR 1325 and related WPS mandates, positioning your military as a leader in gender-responsive peace and security efforts.

How to Contribute

Members who wish to contribute resources can submit their materials directly through the WPS CHODs Network Secretariat at MDL_WPSCHODS.secretariat@defenceforces.ie. Each contribution will be reviewed for relevance and alignment with the WPS agenda before being added to the resource library.

We encourage all member states to take part in this initiative. Together, we can create a robust, dynamic resource hub that will serve as a foundation for future innovations and collaborations within the WPS CHODs Network.

Stay tuned for further updates on the launch of the Online Resource Centre. In the meantime, we welcome your ideas, contributions, and suggestions as we work together to enhance gender-responsive leadership and capacity-building across global militaries.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more inclusive security landscape, one resource at a time.