Devex: Lawmakers question who will implement U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Strategy
“Legislators and advocates welcome the Trump administration’s new U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, but warn that it must extend beyond words into real action from agencies involved in U.S. national security operations. … [Sen. Marco] Rubio, a Republican from Florida, said that because so many agencies — including the U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State, and Department of Defense — are involved in meetings regarding U.S. strategy in conflict countries, there needs to be a clear interagency coordination process that ensures involving women in peace processes and conflict resolution is a priority. … By 2023, the strategy aims to improve women’s empowerment and equality by supporting the preparation and ‘meaningful participation’ of women in decision-making processes related to conflict; protecting women and girls’ human rights, access to humanitarian aid, and safeguarding against violence and abuse; ‘adjusting’ U.S. international programs to improve outcomes in equality of women; and encouraging partner governments to increase capacity to improve the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes…” (Welsh, 6/14).