Working collectively towards gender equality and sustainable peace
OUR WORK
The Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security (‘the Coalition’) is a non-partisan and independent coalition of civil society organisations, networks and individuals working to advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda in Australia, Asia and the Pacific region and globally.
The Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women Peace and Security brings together activists, feminists, practitioners, humanitarian actors and those with first-hand experience working in the frontline on issues relating to women, peace and security. Coalition members have wide ranging expertise in gender and peace.
EVENTS
Women Peace and Security 2020 Webinar Series
2020 marks the:
- 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325,
- 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA),
- 5th anniversary of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
- 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN).
In a year of so many anniversaries, campaigns and consultations, and changing climate, bushfires and pandemics, it is critical that gender equality and feminist peace remain front and centre of all discussions and actions in 2020 and beyond. This means ensuring that the diversity of women’s voices – in Australia, in our region and globally – as well as civil society organisations and individuals with interest in women, peace and security (WPS) – can be heard, and meaningfully integrated into debates, policy and practice.
WILPF Australia’s WPS 2020 Webinar Series seeks to have an open conversation about the:
- progress and gaps in the implementation of the WPS agenda;
- identify priorities for WPS commitments;
- strengthen meaningful engagement of civil society; and
- develop strategies to move on a holistic approach to the implementation of the WPS agenda.
Event Details
29 September 2020, 5:30-6:30 (AEST)
Women, Peace and Security: Civil Society’s Role in Building UNSCR 1325
Register: https://wpswebinarseries1.eventbrite.com.au
8 October 2020, 5:30-6:30pm (AEST)
Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2012-19):
Gender Equality, Human Security and Sustainable Development
Register: https://wpswebinarseries2.eventbrite.com.au
NEWS & ARTICLES
The Australian Foreign Policy White Paper, gender and conflict prevention: ties that don’t bind
In this article, Christina Agius and Anu Mundkur argue that the neglect of gender and conflict prevention in Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper has implications for its stated aspirations with regard to peace and security. This is striking considering the attention that gender—particularly in the context of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda—has received in other policy areas and documents.
Working Together for Equality: NGO Beijing +25 Review 2019 (Australia)
Australia is part of the ongoing Australian Civil Society monitoring and evaluation of women’s rights commitments made by the Australian Government and Civil Society for the advancement of women through the use of agreed strategies from the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA) and the Beijing +5 Outcomes Document. The purpose of this document is to measure Australia’s progress in the last 5 years (2014-2019) against the BPFA.
Statement by a WPS Coalition Member
WILPF has drafted a statement for Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) which takes place in mid-April every year. The statement highlights the need to increase investment in human security and well-being.
Education & Public Engagement
Share and disseminate information on the implementation of Australia’s and international commitments to the United Nations’ Women Peace and Security agenda.
Policy & Advocacy
Provide evidence-based advice and critical input to the Commonwealth government and International Institutions on issues related to women, peace and security.
Monitoring & Analysis
Monitor the implementation of the Australian National Action plan on UNSCR 1325 and other international commitments made by the Australian government on issues related to women, peace and security.
PUBLICATIONS
Reports of the Annual Civil Society Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security capture key discussions between civil society, government and policy makers on women, peace and security and to contribute to effective implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The Coalition also commissions articles that serve as think-pieces to advance the women peace and security agenda.
Membership is by application. To request to join the Coalition please complete the application form below. Organisations, networks and individuals requesting membership must fit the following criteria:
- A civil society organisation, network or individual advocating for women’s rights and empowerment in issues related to women, peace and security.
- Experience and knowledge of UNSCR 1325 and related UN resolutions and the Australian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
- Members must attend all scheduled meetings (members may provide information by email in lieu of attending or nominate a proxy to attend).
- Members must agree to champion the Coalition within and outside of existing networks.
- In the case of civil society organisations and networks:
- One representative who will be able to commit to attending quarterly Coalition meetings and contribute substantively to the Coalition’s work.
- A second staff member to act as secondary representative on the Coalition.
- Member organisations must confirm in writing their two representatives to the Coalition.
Membership requests will be assessed by the Coalition Steering Committee. Membership may be withdrawn if members fail to meet the above criteria, including meeting attendance.
All members (with prior approval) will be listed on the Coalition website and will be placed on the Coalition mailing list.
The Coalition meets via teleconference (3-5 pm AEST) four times a year.
2018 meeting dates are: 28 February, 9 May, 21 August, and 7 November.