Women, peace and security

In 2025, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). This groundbreaking resolution not only spoke of women as victims of conflicts, but also as important contributors to peace and conflict resolution. In 2005, Denmark was the first country in the world to establish a national action plan for Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. Three additional action plans has followed in 2008, 2014 and 2020.

For more than two decades, Denmark has played a role in advancing the WPS agenda, but although there is much to celebrate, there is still much work to be done. Despite the considerable resources invested in this agenda since 2000, there are major obstacles to its implementation – both abroad and here in Denmark.

Danish National Action Plan 2025-2029

Denmark has a Right-Based approach to the UNSCR 1325-agenda. Women and girls have just the same rights as men and boys to influence the development and conditions of their countries and local communities. The overall objective of Denmark’s NAP is that women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in peace efforts (from prevention to conflict management, peace development etc.) will be strengthened.

The new action plan has four thematic priorities:

Strong international engagement: Denmark will promote WPS globally – both as a member of the UN Security Council (2025-26) and during its presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2025.
Women’s participation in peace and security: Where possible and relevant, WPS must be incorporated into foreign, defence and development policy work, including police and emergency management, and in the area of asylum and integration. Funding has also been allocated to support the participation of local women’s organisations in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Protecting the rights of women and girls: Denmark will support initiatives against conflict-related sexual violence, human trafficking and child marriage in conflict contexts.
Strengthening national WPS priorities: Strengthen WPS implementation internally within Danish authorities, including a focus on gender equality in the security sector. The action plan builds on a recognition that Denmark – like other countries – also faces challenges and has a responsibility to create change. This recognition that WPS is not only relevant in fragile contexts also increases the credibility of Denmark’s international efforts.

Denmark’s new action plan is broadly anchored, with the participation of six ministries: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality, the Ministry of Resilience and Preparedness, and the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. Civil society organisations, research communities and independent experts have also contributed knowledge and input.