Introduction: A landmark step for Women, Peace and Security in Pakistan
The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), in collaboration with the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) and UN Women, has convened Pakistan’s first-ever National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in Islamabad. This milestone event signals a commitment to elevating women’s voices in security policy, conflict resolution, and post-conflict recovery. It also aligns with global calls for robust, gender-responsive approaches to peacebuilding, recognizing that sustainable security rests on inclusive governance and equal participation.
Who participated and why it matters
The dialogue brought together a diverse mix of government officials, civil society leaders, feminist advocates, security experts, and community representatives from across Pakistan. By uniting stakeholders under a shared agenda, the event aimed to translate international norms on WPS into practical national actions. The presence of agencies like NACTA underscores the importance of counterterrorism reform that respects women’s rights and safety, while the involvement of NCSW highlights the need to remove structural barriers that limit women’s participation in decision-making processes.
Key objectives and pillars of the dialogue
Participants discussed four core pillars designed to advance a gender-responsive security framework:
- Inclusive governance: Ensuring women’s representation in security policy development, implementation, and oversight bodies.
- Preventive security: Integrating gender perspectives into early warning, risk assessment, and violence prevention measures.
- Protection and rights: Strengthening legal protections for women in conflict zones and post-conflict settings, including survivors of violence.
- Resilience and recovery: Prioritizing women’s access to livelihoods, education, and healthcare in peacebuilding efforts.
Agenda items also touched on improving data collection, monitoring progress, and ensuring accountability through transparent reporting mechanisms. The collaborative format underscored that gender equality is not a sidebar issue but a central component of national security and long-term stability.
Expected outcomes and the path forward
While the dialogue marks a formal platform for dialogue, its true value lies in turning dialogue into action. Anticipated outcomes include a comprehensive national WPS plan that identifies concrete measures for increasing women’s leadership in security institutions, expanding legal protections, and allocating resources toward gender-responsive programs. The process is expected to produce policy briefs, recommendations for legislative amendments, and action-oriented timelines that governments, civil society, and international partners can monitor together.
Experts emphasized the need for a robust implementation framework that involves community-level engagement. This includes training for security personnel on gender sensitivity, tailored support services for survivors, and community outreach to address cultural barriers to women’s participation. The event also provided space for young professionals and grassroots activists to share practical insights, ensuring that the WPS agenda reflects domestic realities as well as international standards.
Impact on regional peace and security
Pakistan’s commitment to a gender-responsive peace and security agenda resonates beyond its borders, signaling to neighboring countries and regional partners that gender inclusion is essential for durable peace. In the broader context of South Asia, where conflicts and security challenges intersect with development gaps, a strong WPS framework can contribute to more resilient communities, improved governance, and stronger cross-border cooperation on trafficking, extremism, and humanitarian access.
What comes next for stakeholders
As the National Dialogue concludes, stakeholders anticipate a follow-up roadmap with clear milestones, resource allocations, and accountability measures. NCA TA, NCSW, and UN Women will continue to support capacity-building, data-driven monitoring, and synchronized policy developments. The ultimate goal is a Pakistan where women are not only beneficiaries of security programs but active architects and custodians of lasting peace.
Conclusion
The inaugural National Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security marks a watershed moment for Pakistan’s security architecture. By elevating women’s leadership and integrating gender perspectives throughout security policy, Pakistan is positioning itself to build safer communities, more effective counterterrorism strategies, and a resilient future for all citizens.
