The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda has shaped global policies on gender equality in peacebuilding. But how well is it being implemented in the MENA region? This impact assessment examines the realities of Lebanon, Tunisia, Iraq, and Libya, uncovering both progress and ongoing challenges in ensuring women’s active participation in peace processes.

Since the adoption of UNSCR 1325, many governments have introduced National Action Plans (NAPs) to institutionalize gender-responsive security and peacebuilding policies. Yet, on-the-ground implementation remains weak, with persistent gaps in funding, enforcement, and local engagement.

📖 Key Insights from the Research

🔹 Where Progress Has Been Made:

• Adoption of NAPs aligned with UNSCR 1325 and legal reforms addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
• Increased representation of women in decision-making roles, especially in humanitarian and social sectors.
• Women-led initiatives playing a critical role in conflict resolution and post-conflict recovery.

🔹 Challenges That Persist:

• Policy vs. Practice – National strategies often fail to address local realities, limiting grassroots impact.
• Financial Barriers – Many women-led organizations struggle with sustainable funding.
• Cultural Resistance – Patriarchal structures and social norms continue to exclude women from leadership in security and governance.
• Weak Institutional Accountability – Without monitoring mechanisms, progress remains inconsistent.

🔍 Bridging the Gap: What’s Needed?

This research underscores that policy commitments alone are not enough. To truly embed gender equality in peacebuilding, stakeholders must:

✔ Localize the WPS Agenda – Implement policies at the community level, engaging women as key decision-makers.
✔ Ensure Sustainable Funding – Invest in women-led peacebuilding initiatives.
✔ Challenge Gender Bias – Launch public awareness campaigns to shift perceptions on women’s roles in security and governance.
✔ Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms – Monitor and assess the impact of NAPs and gender-focused reforms.

📢 The Future of Women in Peacebuilding

“Peace without women is not just incomplete—it’s unsustainable. We must go beyond symbolic representation and create meaningful spaces for women to lead and influence security and governance at all levels.”

This assessment provides a roadmap for transformation, urging governments, international organizations, and civil society to take action in institutionalizing gender-responsive policies that drive real change.