Overview of the National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security
The first-ever National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Pakistan marks a milestone in integrating gender equality into national security strategies. Convened in Islamabad by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) in partnership with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and UN Women, the event brought together government officials, civil society leaders, women’s rights advocates, and security experts. The dialogue underscores Pakistan’s commitment to aligning its peace and security framework with the global Women, Peace and Security agenda as outlined by United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Key Partners and Role of Stakeholders
NACTA, Pakistan’s premier anti-terrorism agency, has historically focused on preventing violent extremism and safeguarding civilians. By partnering with NCSW, a national body dedicated to promoting women’s rights, and UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality, the initiative elevates women’s voices in security decision-making. The collaboration signals a multi-stakeholder approach that recognizes women not only as victims of conflict but as essential actors in prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery.
Goals and Expected Outcomes
The dialogue centers on several core objectives: enhancing women’s meaningful participation in peace processes, mainstreaming gender perspectives into security policies, and strengthening legal and institutional frameworks to protect women and girls during crises. Participants discussed strategies to address the root causes of violence against women, including inequalities, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. The conference also aims to improve national data collection on gender-based violence in crisis settings, ensuring that policies are informed by reliable evidence.
Policy and Legislative Implications
Attendees highlighted the need to translate dialogue insights into concrete policy reforms. Proposed measures include integrating gender-responsive budgeting into security-sector reforms, mandating gender sensitivity training for law enforcement, and ensuring that survivors have access to justice and psychosocial support. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of women in refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) contexts, which are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
Climate, Security, and Community Resilience
Participants noted that security today intertwines with development and climate resilience. Gender-responsive approaches can help communities withstand shocks from natural disasters, extremism, and economic instability. By incorporating women’s leadership into local security initiatives, Pakistan aims to build more resilient communities where prevention and rapid response are inclusive and effective.
Global and Local Significance
Pakistan’s engagement with the WPS agenda aligns with international commitments under Security Council resolutions and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing gender equality and peace. Domestically, the dialogue signals a shift toward inclusive governance, where women play a central role in shaping security policies and peacebuilding strategies. The process is expected to foster greater trust between communities and security institutions, which is critical for sustainable peace.
What Comes Next
Following the Islamabad dialogue, organizers plan to publish a policy brief capturing recommendations and best practices. There is also an emphasis on establishing a formal mechanism for ongoing dialogue between policymakers and civil society on women, peace, and security issues. Capacity-building initiatives for government agencies and community organizations are anticipated to ensure the ideas discussed translate into measurable improvements on the ground.
Overall, the National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security represents a decisive step toward integrating gender-responsive strategies into Pakistan’s security architecture. As the country confronts security challenges, climate risks, and social inequalities, the active participation of women in decision-making could prove decisive in achieving lasting peace and prosperity.
