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Meeting of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda Steering Group at strategic level

On March 27, the meeting of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda Initiative Group at the strategic level was held. The event brought together the member organizations of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Initiative Group; representatives of the gender focal points of the institutions implementing the National Programme for the implementation of the SCR of UN 1325; the Swedish Embassy in the Republic of Moldova and UN Women.

Through this meeting, the member organizations of the Group had the following goals:

  • Setting the working mechanism between the Initiative Group and the NAP 1325 Secretariat;
  • To discuss the Action Plan of the Initiative Group and the needs of the NAP Secretariat.

The event was opened by Elena Mârzac, Security and StratCom Expert, Director, Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives, who spoke about the importance of the creation of the Initiative Group, noting that “no peace, security or institutional reform process can be truly effective without the active and coordinated participation of civil society – and in particular, without the involvement of women. It is precisely out of this need for concrete and united action that the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Initiative Group was born, made up of civil society and academic organizations, united under a common objective: to support the implementation of the National FPS 2023-2027 Programme through strategic, coordinated and visible actions”. At the same time, Ms. Mârzac reiterated the experience of other countries: “We note that several countries have demonstrated that the active involvement of civil society is essential for the successful implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. In the Philippines, the WE Act 1325 coalition brought together women’s organizations to support the development and monitoring of national plans. In Sweden, an informal network of CSOs works directly with the government to mainstream gender in security policies. In Nepal, conflict-affected women have become key actors in promoting local peace and reconciliation. And in Ukraine, the SPF National Platform is contributing to women’s participation in the security sector and combating violence in crisis contexts. These examples show how important a coordinated partnership between the state and civil society is to turn the FPS Agenda into a real tool for change.

On behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, the leading institution in the implementation of the Program, Nicolae Vascauțan, Head of the Human Resources Management and Policy Directorate, Ministry of Internal Affairs; Member, NAP 1325 Secretariat, was present, emphasizing the need for coordination of actions and communication for the successful implementation of the Program. At the same time, Mr. Văscăuuțan welcomed the creation of the initiative, or civil society organizations, especially women’s organizations, are those who know best the realities on the ground and because only together – authorities, CSOs, international partners – we can build an open, fair and adapted security sector for all citizens, not just a majority. At the same time, Mr. Văscăuuțan presented the needs for the implementation of the National Programme for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 for the period 2025-2026.

Present at the event, Dominika Stojanoska, Country Representative, UN Women, in her welcome speech, mentioned about the efforts being made to implement the National Program for the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 for the years 2023-2027 and to promote the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Ms. Stojanoska also put an emphasis on the collaboration between civil society organizations, authorities and development partners in the implementation of this Programme.

Ms. Jenny Lindqvist, Senior Peace and Security Specialist, Embassy of Sweden in the Republic of Moldova, mentioned about the work of the Folke Bernadotte Academy – Swedish Agency for Peace, Security and Development, as well as Sweden as a state – partner in supporting this field. “Partnerships are key to the implementation and success of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, ensuring collaboration between governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector. These alliances help to promote gender equality, prevent conflict and strengthen sustainable peace.The Partnerships support the integration of women in peace and security decision-making processes. A safer and more equitable world can only be built through strong cooperation, where women are recognized as essential actors of peace and security”, said the expert.

The presentation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda Initiative Group and the Group’s Action Plan followed.

Elena Mârzac spoke about the necessity of creating the Initiative Group and what this group brings new:

  • “It is a collaborative platform, acting as a bridge between civil society and state institutions, but also with development partners;
  • It brings together expertise from various fields: security, women’s rights, communication, local development;
  • It is anchored in Moldovan realities, but open to regional and international best practices;
  • And most importantly: it is determined to turn the SPF Agenda into a real tool for change – not just for women, but for a more inclusive, resilient and democratic society”.

Natalia Covrig, Executive Director, Partnership for Development Center, presented the Group’s Action Plan to all participants and participants.

Ana Negru, Project Coordinator, Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives, presented the actions that have been set from this plan for the year 2025.

Olesea Cotoman, Co-Founder, Institute for Democracy and Development (AO I4DD), came with a supportive message, where she spoke about the need for the establishment of this group and what would be the potential outcomes and impact.

In the last part of the event, each member organization briefly presented what activities and projects they have on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, and the Gender Focal Points presented their suggestions and needs in order to successfully implement the 1325 Programme, but also the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in general.

In addition, we sincerely thank UN Women for hosting and continuous support.

The activity was organized in the context of the project “Strengthening collaboration and promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda”, implemented by the Platform for Security and Defence Initiatives (PISA) and supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), within the project “Strengthening Security Sector Governance in Moldova”, funded by Sweden.