The second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, developed by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has been released.
The plan builds on existing efforts to protect and promote the human rights of all women and girls, while increasing the participation of women in peace and security processes.
Announcing the release, Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne said all women, no matter where they lived or what their circumstances, should have the opportunity to make decisions on policies and programs that determined their own safety and security.
“We know that when women are fully included in decision-making, societies are more likely to prevent and resolve conflict, and establish enduring and resilient peace outcomes,” Senator Payne said.
“During COVID-19, we have supported Indo-Pacific partners to continue their implementations of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including tackling pandemic-related increases in gender-based violence.”
She said she wanted to ensure Australia continued to be a global leader in driving change through the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
“This includes strengthening our partnerships with civil society, building knowledge and capabilities, and increasing women’s leadership and engagement in the peace and security sector,” the Minister said.
She said the new National Action Plan identified four outcomes that would support coordinated action across Government.
These were supporting women’s participation and needs in peace processes; reducing sexual and gender-based violence; supporting efforts to meet the needs and rights of all women and girls, and demonstrating leadership and accountability for Women, Peace and Security.
The 66-page Women, Peace and Security 2021-2031 plan can be accessed at this PS News link.
