Reflection on Women, Peace, and Security in the Arab Region

Abstract

Eight years following my co-authored publication on National Action Plans (NAPs) for the United Nations Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1325, I reflect on the progress in the Arab region with regards to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. No country in the region had an NAP at that time. Shortly after, Iraq became the first Arab State to adopt a NAP. Nine other Arab countries have since followed. This piece briefly analyzes seven of the ten NAPs in the Arab region. It identifies promising developments and practices in the region and reflects on persisting challenges in realizing the ambitious WPS agenda. Finally, it ends by offering three recommendations on how to accelerate WPS implementation moving forward.