Conciliation Resources 238d ago

The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda is at a critical crossroads, facing unprecedented global backlash, rising anti-gender movements, in an environment of increasing conflict. As we reflect on the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the challenge is clear: how do we protect and advance this essential work? At our WPS+25 event in Nairobi in October 2025, we asked peacebuilders, _“why is it important for men to support the women, peace and security agenda?”_ The consensus was overwhelming: engaging men is no longer optional, it is indispensable. As men are the primary gatekeepers of political, cultural, and economic institutions, therefore, engaging men helps to create the cultural acceptance and legitimacy required for WPS work to succeed in communities. Participants also noted that sustainable peace cannot be achieved when half of society is excluded from the decision-making table. Ultimately, the WPS agenda is a collective responsibility; something that matters for all, benefiting men, women, and the whole of society. --- Read more about the WPS+25 event here: https://www.c-r.org/news-and-insight/nairobi-event-emphasises-importance-engaging-men-women-peace-and-security-agenda Learn more about our work on women, gender, peace and security here: https://www.c-r.org/programme/women-gender-peace-and-security