Instituting a National Action Plan On Women, Peace, And Security
Dec 23, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 19, 2011
Published on: Dec 23, 2011
Dec 23, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Dec 19, 2011
Published on: Dec 23, 2011
Summary
Establishes a national plan to increase women's participation in preventing and resolving conflicts and to protect them from violence in these situations.
What problem does this solve?
Women are often left out of peace talks and are frequent targets of violence during war, which makes it harder to achieve lasting peace. This order creates a formal plan for the U.S. government to include women in peace efforts and protect them from harm.
What does this order do?
Establishes a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security
Creates an official U.S. policy and plan to make sure women are involved in peace and security efforts around the world.
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Responsibility of executive departments and agencies
Requires key agencies to create implementation plans
Directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the head of USAID to develop and carry out specific plans for how their agencies will support the National Action Plan.
Focuses on five key areas for action
The plan will focus on integrating these ideas into U.S. work, ensuring women participate in peace talks, protecting women from violence, preventing conflict, and providing access to aid.
Creates an interagency coordination process
The National Security Advisor will lead a process to coordinate all government agencies' efforts, report on progress annually, and update the plan as needed.
Strengthens protection from sexual and gender-based violence
Makes it a priority for the U.S. government to protect women and children from harm, abuse, and trafficking in areas of conflict and hold attackers accountable.
Who does this affect?
- Women and children in conflict-affected countries
- U.S. government agencies (Department of State, Department of Defense, USAID)
- International civil society organizations
What is the real world impact?
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Promotes more effective peace processes
Recognizes that including women in conflict resolution and prevention leads to more lasting peace and better security outcomes for everyone.
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Advances U.S. foreign policy goals
Uses the promotion of women's rights as a tool for diplomacy and international relations, strengthening U.S. influence and partnerships in conflict-affected regions.
When does this start?
This order became effective on December 19, 2011, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to create their implementation plans.
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Responsibility of executive departments and agencies
Agency Implementation Plans
The Department of State, Department of Defense, and USAID must submit their own specific plans within 150 days of the National Action Plan's release.
First Plan Review
The first comprehensive review and update to the National Action Plan will take place in 2015.
Annual Progress Reports
The National Security Advisor will provide an annual report to the President on the progress made in meeting the order's goals.