Who We Are
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 Coalition 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.
What We Do
The Coalition engages with the Australian government to progress the implementation and scope of the Australian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2012-2018 (NAP). We contribute to dialogue on the WPS Agenda in Australia and our region by amplifying the perspectives of women’s organisations working in conflict affected countries and working collectively to advocate for changes in policy and practice. We build alliances with others working on issues related to WPS in order to constructively promote a gendered approach to peace and security.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world in which gender equality, and the contributions and rights of diverse women and girls, are at the forefront of transforming conflict to build peace.
Our Purpose
1. Reshaping the peace and security dialogue, policy and practice in Australia and our region away from an increasingly militarised and securitised approach towards a transformative women, peace and security agenda.
2. Redefining security for all women within Australia’s domestic and foreign policy.
3. Harnessing the collective power of women’s movements and peace movements towards our vision in Australia, our region and globally.
Join Us
Why not join us? Joining the Coalition will enable you, your network or organisation to connect and build alliances with others working on issues related to Women, Peace and Security; attend quarterly Coalition meetings in State capital hubs and share updates on your work (including research, policy, programs or advocacy activities). Members also have the opportunity to learn from and share information; contribute to policy positions, papers and submissions; and join common advocacy platforms to advance and influence the WPS agenda.
Membership is by application. Please see Joining the Coalition for membership criteria and the application form.
If you don’t want to become a member but would still like to keep up to date with the Coalition’s work you can join the mailing list.
WPS Coalition Steering Committee Members (as at 2017):
Anuradha Mundkur, ACFID
Barbara O’Dwyer, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
Carol Angir, Actionaid Australia
Laura Shepherd, University of New South Wales
Sarah Boyd, The Gender Agency
Sharon Smee, International Women’s Development Agency
Susan Hutchinson, Independent expert on Women Peace and Security
