Gender, Peace, and Security (GPS) is a comprehensive and transformative framework that examines how gender dynamics influence conflict, violence, peacebuilding, and long-term security. It is rooted in the understanding that armed conflict, political instability, and insecurity affect individuals differently based on gender, age, and social roles. Women, children, and gender-diverse populations often face heightened risks during conflict, including displacement, sexual and gender-based violence, loss of livelihoods, and exclusion from decision-making processes. At the same time, traditional notions of masculinity can also place men and boys at increased risk of forced recruitment, combat exposure, and psychological trauma.
A central pillar of the Gender, Peace, and Security agenda is the meaningful participation of women and marginalized genders in peace negotiations, conflict prevention, security governance, and post-conflict reconstruction. Research consistently shows that peace agreements are more durable and effective when women are involved in peace processes, as they tend to prioritize community needs, social justice, reconciliation, and inclusive development. Despite this evidence, women remain significantly underrepresented in formal peace talks, security institutions, and leadership roles worldwide.
The framework also places strong emphasis on protection, calling for the prevention of gender-based violence and the safeguarding of human rights during and after conflict. This includes addressing sexual violence as a weapon of war, ensuring access to justice and survivor-centered support systems, and strengthening legal and institutional accountability. Additionally, Gender, Peace, and Security promotes prevention by addressing the root causes of conflict, such as inequality, discrimination, poverty, and political exclusion, through gender-responsive policies and early warning systems.
Globally, the GPS agenda is closely linked to international commitments such as the United Nations’ Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework and related resolutions, which urge states and institutions to mainstream gender perspectives into peace and security efforts. Ultimately, Gender, Peace, and Security seeks to build inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies by recognizing gender equality not as a secondary concern, but as a fundamental requirement for sustainable peace and global security.
