Feminist Theory and the United Nations: How Effective is the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda?

Title
Feminist Theory and the United Nations: How Effective is the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda?
Creator
Anceska, Magdalena
Abstract
The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda was established by the United Nations Security Council through Resolution 1325 in 2000, and has been promoting gender equality in peace and security efforts. Since then, the essential role of women in peacebuilding has been recognized and with main aim to protect women from gender-based violence. Many countries have adopted NAPs to prioritize women’s rights in their security strategies. This research paper uses the Feminist Theory that aligns with the WPS agenda goals and addresses significant gaps that need to be studied more. Western countries like Norway, the UK, and Australia have effectively used NAP but scholars still argue that it is not efficient enough and their agenda lacks strong enforcement mechanisms, especially in conflict zones. There are positive and negative aspects about this agenda according to scholars, so it is important to progress this agenda more by starting to focus on refugee women and take the Afghanistan case as an alarming warning. WPS agenda needs to become more inclusive and not Western-based, limiting third world countries. The progress so far is significant, but governments need to have a stronger commitment toward this agenda and protect their female citizens.
Subject
International Relations
Type
Oral Presentation
Course
PO3131 – L5 Theories of International Relations 
Instructor
Lampas, Nikolaos
Location
Art Center Auditorium
Event
Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium