The year 2023 was a year of reporting, assessment, and shared learning for WPS-HA Compact Signatories, as they endeavored to advance women, peace and security and gender-responsive humanitarian action worldwide. A total of 211 signatories have joined the Compact’s bold push for action and accountability and in 2023, the Compact welcomed 18 new signatories.
A significant achievement in 2023 was the launch of the Compact’s first accountability report, documenting actions taken by signatories and progress made in participation in peace processes, financing, protection, economic security, and leadership. In 2022 alone, Signatories spent close to one billion dollars. They reached 22.1 million women and girls in conflict and crisis situations including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Palestine, and Ukraine.
The Compact plans to publish its second accountability report in 2024 and looks ahead to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000).
Here are some key highlights from the Compact’s activities last year:
In JANUARY and FEBRUARY, the Compact Secretariat finalized reporting procedures for the first accountability report. WPS-HA Compact Signatories and thematic experts also gathered virtually for a Thematic Knowledge Session on Engaging with and Supporting Non-Traditional Humanitarian Actors in Conflict and Crisis Settings. Presenters from the Afghan Women Advisory Group (Negina Yari), Feminist Humanitarian Network, German Federal Foreign Office, Karama, UN Women, UNHCR, and the Women’s Refugee Commission discussed the role of women as first responders and the increased support needed for effective crisis response.
> Read recommendations for action across the Compact’s six principles of transformation.
In MARCH, Compact Signatories convened on the sidelines of the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for a reception hosted by Norway’s Minister of Culture and Equality. During the reception, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous reaffirmed the need for collective and united action on women, peace and security, as well as gender-responsive humanitarian efforts. The reception was another key step to fostering collaboration between Member States, UN entities, academic and research institutions, regional and civil society organizations, and women peacebuilders.
WPS-HA Compact Board members also met to discuss the strategic focus of the Compact for 2023 and to ensure that the Compact is fit for purpose when it comes to addressing the global challenges facing women and girls in conflict and crisis situations. The meeting was chaired by UN Women and Compact board co-chairs, Norway and the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), and hosted by the United Arab Emirates Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Board members African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD), Feminist Humanitarian Network, Ireland, Karama, Namibia, Réseau Paix et Sécurite pour les Femmes de l’Espace CEDEAO (REPSFECO), UN Department of Peace Operations, UNHCR and Sierra Leone were also in attendance.
In APRIL, the Compact Online Self-Reporting Portal was launched following virtual training sessions. This innovative accountability tool enables year-round self-reporting for Compact Signatories to track progress made in implementing WPS and humanitarian action commitments. To facilitate a smooth reporting process, Signatories have access to tutorial videos and thematic guidance notes.
> Explore the Online Self-Reporting Portal.
In MAY and in the lead up to the September 2023 Generation Equality Midpoint Moment, Compact Signatories joined Action Coalition Commitment Makers for the discussion Generation Equality Virtual Stakeholder Gathering for Impact: Advancing synergies across the WPS-HA Compact and Action Coalitions. The session facilitated exchange between the Compact and Action Coalitions, providing a forum for collaboration and learning opportunities for all Generation Equality stakeholders.
The Compact Secretariat also hosted two Thematic Knowledge Sessions for Compact Signatories. The session on Women’s Full, Equal and Meaningful Participation and Inclusion of Gender-Related Provisions in Peace Processes took place against the backdrop of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the erosion of women’s rights in Afghanistan, and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Syria, among others. Presenters included representatives from ACCORD, International Civil Society Action Network, Libyan Women’s Platform for Peace, Search for Common Ground, UN Women, United Nations (Policy and Mediation Division, Gender, Peace, and Security Unit), and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
> Read recommendations for action across the Compact’s six principles of transformation.
A second thematic knowledge session addressed Financing the WPS Agenda and Gender Equality in Humanitarian Programming and brought together Compact Signatories to explore new and innovative funding modalities and mechanisms to ensure adequate, sustained, and flexible funding for local women’s rights and women-led organizations. Presenters included representatives from the Association of War Affected Women, the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, the OECD Development Co-operation Directorate, the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), and UN Women.
> Read recommendations for action across the Compact’s six principles of transformation.
At the 5th Capital-Level meeting of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network, held in JUNE in Washington, D.C., and hosted by the United States and Romania, Compact Signatories shared good practices on the Compact’s multi-stakeholder approach and accountability process to advance the women, peace and security agenda.
> Read more about the WPS Focal Points Network.
In JULY, the Compact hosted its fourth Thematic Knowledge Session, focusing on Women’s Economic Security, Access to Resources and Other Essential Services. The session highlighted that too often, the economic needs and essential contributions of conflict- and crisis-affected women and girls are absent from peace processes, peacebuilding, and immediate and long-term response and recovery plans. The discussion emphasized the pivotal role of women’s economic empowerment in crisis response and recovery, recognized women’s integral connection to sustainable peace and the need for continued advocacy and strategic investments in women’s economic initiatives. Presenters included representatives from REPSFECO, People Beyond Borders, Light Ethiopia, United Funding and Development for Underaged Mothers and UN Women.
> Read recommendations for action across the Compact’s six principles of transformation.
Also in July, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), a Compact Catalytic member, partnered with the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and GNWP to bring together 25 women peacebuilders and mediators from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, and Central Asia. The event, which contributes to OSCE’s commitments under the Compact, highlighted the Compact model and facilitated discussions on key challenges women peacebuilders and mediators face. Participants set priorities and recommendations on how international and regional organizations can continue supporting women’s civil society organizations and women’s leadership during complex conflicts and crises.
In AUGUST, the Compact held its first regional conference in Bangkok, Thailand to promote the practical application of WPS National Action Plans (NAPs) across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The event was hosted in partnership with UN Women’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and with support from the Governments of Australia and Norway. Over 65 representatives from government and civil society across the Asia Pacific region, as well as Compact Signatories, gathered for the two-day conference under the theme: Promoting Peaceful and Inclusive Societies in Asia and the Pacific: Experiences in Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Discussions explored the gender dimensions of emerging risks to the WPS agenda including climate change, cybersecurity, and violent extremism. Conference participants also called for more meaningful participation of CSOs and marginalized communities to ensure NAPs and policies are intersectional and intergenerational.
> Read key takeaways from the conference.
SEPTEMBER marked the Midpoint Moment for Generation Equality and the launch of the Generation Equality Accountability Report 2023. The Compact also welcomed the Government of Kazakhstan and Women for Women International as new Signatories. During the Midpoint Moment, Compact Signatories, representing Hope Advocates Africa, GNWP, Karama, and the WPHF, highlighted efforts to address the dire situation of women and girls in Sudan and Afghanistan and stressed the importance of youth inclusion and the implementation of WPS and humanitarian commitments to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.
> Explore the findings and key recommendations of the report.
In OCTOBER, marking the 23rd anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), UN Women and Compact Board members launched the inaugural Accountability Report 2022 – Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action in New York.
Seventy-one percent of Signatories who were eligible to report implemented actions in a country experiencing fragility. Fifty-nine percent implemented actions in a country where peace declined from 2021 to 2022. Signatory efforts have underpinned sustainable and inclusive peace processes, financed the work of local women’s organizations, championed the contributions of women peacebuilders of all ages, and paved the path to economic opportunities and senior leadership roles for women.
> Explore the report’s key findings and the newly launched Signatory summary pages.
Also taking place in New York in October was a panel discussion jointly hosted by Compact Signatories – GNWP, Austria, and WPHF. The discussion brought together local women’s organizations working in the humanitarian, peace, and development sectors from Kenya, Moldova, and Ukraine to share their experiences in implementing the humanitarian, development and peace nexus in conflict- and crisis-affected communities.
In NOVEMBER, a Compact-focused session at the High-Level Generation Equality African Ministers of Finance and Gender Meeting, hosted by the Government of Tanzania with support from UN Women and IMF Africa Regional Technical Assistance Center for East Africa, highlighted opportunities to finance WPS and gender-responsive humanitarian action. In a communiqué, participating governments from 21 African countries shared recommendations on enhancing women’s access to resources and fair employment conditions, investing in feminist technology, bolstering women’s involvement in peace and security efforts, prioritizing funding for women’s health, and addressing gender-based violence.
In DECEMBER, to mark the International Day for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs), the Generation Equality Feminist Movements and Leadership Action Coalition partnered with the Compact and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a Compact Signatory, to honor the diverse contributions of WHRDs working in conflict and crisis-affected settings and identify concrete actions to increase political and financial support, as well as ensure their holistic protection in all domains. The event coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and speakers drew attention to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the devastating impact on women and girls. The reality facing WHRDs in myriad other conflicts was also mentioned, including in Myanmar, Ukraine, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.
Thank you for your collaboration in 2023. We are committed to expanding partnerships in 2024 and strengthening accountability to advance sustainable and inclusive peace globally. We invite you to complete this three minute survey in English, French or Spanish to guide the Compact’s work this year.
2024 Initial Key Dates and Events
- February: Online Self-Reporting Portal opens for 2023 signatory reporting
- April: Online Self-Reporting Portal closes
- March: 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Please complete this form to let us know if you will be attending or hosting an event.
- September: Launch of the WPS-HA Compact 2024 Accountability Report