Switzerland Launches its Fourth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

By Rocio Maradiegue, Women, Peace and Security Programme Consultant 

Flag of Switzerland. (Visual: Pixabay)

On 2 October 2018 the Government of Switzerland launched its fourth UNSCR1325 National Action Plan (NAP) for a period of five years (2018-2022). Developed in partnership with civil society, the 2018-2022 NAP reiterates Swiss commitment to strengthening women’s meaningful participation in peace work, gives consideration to local structures through conflict and gender analysis while incorporating Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. In addition to this, the updated NAP shows particular leadership in national implementation by calling for greater consideration of gender in arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, which is a chronic gap area. 

This NAP is the first Swiss NAP to include civil society in the implementation process, following the recommendations from civil society’s ‘1325 Reloaded’ report. Since the implementation of the NAP will be assessed and monitored systematically, civil society plays an active role in delivering on specific objectives, including through projects aimed at fulfilling certain NAP objectives, raising awareness among policymakers and the public and monitoring the NAP through a participatory process. Strengthening the inclusion of women civil society in the implementation process is an important step for Switzerland and its commitment to the WPS Agenda. 

Read WILPF’s Updated Analysis of Switzerland’s fourth UNSCR1325 NAP here>>