Gender Associations was commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) to conduct a study on how Germany`s commitment to implementing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) resolutions is perceived by other stakeholders. To find out, we interviewed experts, advocates, activists and public servants working on WPS in international hubs like New York, Brussels, and Geneva and conducted field research in Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali and Ukraine.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of UN Resolution 1325 and in the light of the development of Germany`s 3rd National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, there could not be a better time to ask how Germany`s commitment to WPS is actually perceived by other actors.
With the support of the German Federal Foreign Office ( Auswärtiges Amt ), we have conducted surveys and around 100 in-depth interviews with leading international experts, UN agencies, regional organisations, governmental representatives, NGOs, academics and activists working on women, peace and security issues. In addition, we have conducted field research with our local experts in Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali and Ukraine – countries where Germany is contributing to these issues ‘on the ground’ through foreign policy, development cooperation and participation in peacekeeping mission.
Our findings highlight some of the strengths of Germany’s investment in WPS issues, but also some of the gaps in terms of financial and political support. The study lists concrete recommendations for Germany to improve its performance and increase its positive impact in order to better support the full participation of women in peace processes and peacebuilding, the prevention of and protection from all forms of gender-based violence and armed conflict and better integrate gender and diversity perspectives into crisis management and humanitarian aid.
Download the full study here: THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIRROR
