This is the third year ASPI has run a series on The Strategist to coincide with International Women’s Day and examine Australia’s approach to women, peace and security (WPS).

The series offered a timely opportunity to assess progress and identify some of the challenges that need further examination as the international community prepares to mark twenty years since the adoption of the first UN Security Council resolution on women, peace and security, and as Australia approaches the release of its second National Action Plan on WPS.

The range of topics and themes canvassed in this year’s collection of articles reminds us that we cannot afford to be complacent. There have been significant challenges to the agenda in high-level multilateral fora over the past year, which risk reversing some of the normative and practical gains that have been made in recent decades. Considering this, several of the contributors note that it is important we not only respond to emerging challenges but also revitalise the agenda moving forward. This Strategic Insights paper subsequently offers insights and recommendations for the Australian government, private sector, civil society and other interested stakeholders to address some of the emerging challenges in women, peace and security.

Last years report is available here: Women, peace and security: Addressing the gaps and strengthening implementation.