Security Sector Reform and Women, Peace and Security

Through security sector reform Member States can realize gender equality and the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in security sector institutions. This is a critical step towards more accountable, inclusive and responsive institutions. Representation and diversity also allow Member States to leverage broadened skillsets and improves operational effectiveness by reflecting the communities which security services serve.

Security Council resolutions 2151 (2014) and 2553 (2020) emphasize the importance of more women in the security sector; women’s equal and effective participation in all stages of security sector reform; vetting processes to exclude perpetrators of sexual violence from the security sector; and call for Member States to remove legal, institutional and regulatory barriers to women’s equal participation in the security sector.

The United Nations supports gender equality-oriented reforms in national security sectors. This support can include conducting barrier assessments, putting in place vetting mechanisms, establishing temporary special measures, strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms, and enabling women to shape negotiations on security provisions of peace agreements, national security policies, expenditures or laws.

From March to October 2024 the United Nations is rolling out a landmark advocacy campaign on gender equality and women's participation in national security and defence sectors "Breaking Barriers, Building Peace". Check out powerful stories and Member States’ good practices here.

In October 2024, further to the Secretary-General's commitment to strengthening security sector reform, the United Nations will publish the first ever global report on the Status of Women in Defense, which captures insights on the status quo and makes recommendations for Member States to strengthen the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in defense.

Secretary-General's Report on Women, Peace and Security with a dedicated section on SSR

• S/2023/725