Publications.
Reports.
Climate and Women, Peace & Security
The Women Peace and Security Government-Civil Society Dialogue 2023, organised by the Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security in collaboration with the Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), convened participants to discuss the implementation of Australia’s Second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2021–2031. The dialogue provided a platform for implementing agencies, civil society organisations, women’s rights advocates, and WPS experts to address opportunities and challenges in advancing the goals of the WPS NAP. Key insights and recommendations emerged from discussions aimed at driving effective implementation and promoting women’s inclusion in peace and security efforts. This report highlights the outcomes and key takeaways from the dialogue, underscoring the commitment to advancing women’s rights and peacebuilding in Australia and beyond.
Towards a Queer-Inclusive WPS Agenda
in the Asia-Pacific
All We Want in Our Lives is Peace and Security: Towards a Queer-Inclusive WPS Agenda in the Asia-Pacific Region, was developed in collaboration with Edge Effect to explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ communities in conflict and crisis settings across the Asia-Pacific, a topic that the Coalition has felt we need to address after our roundtable and dialogue that was missing from the WPS agenda. The paper highlights barriers to inclusion in the Women, Peace and Security agenda and advocating for a more intersectional Gender, Peace and Security approach. Based on interviews with activists and organisations, the paper examines challenges such as violence, exclusion from peace processes, and shrinking civic space, offering key recommendations for governments, multilateral organisations, and civil society.
Women Peace and Security Government-
Civil Society Dialogue Report
The Women Peace and Security Government-Civil Society Dialogue 2023, organised by the Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security in collaboration with the Australian Civil-Military Centre (ACMC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), convened participants to discuss the implementation of Australia’s Second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2021–2031. The dialogue provided a platform for implementing agencies, civil society organisations, women’s rights advocates, and WPS experts to address opportunities and challenges in advancing the goals of the WPS NAP. Key insights and recommendations emerged from discussions aimed at driving effective implementation and promoting women’s inclusion in peace and security efforts. This report highlights the outcomes and key takeaways from the dialogue, underscoring the commitment to advancing women’s rights and peacebuilding in Australia and beyond.
What do peace and security mean to diverse women in Australia?
Roundtable summary and recommendations for action
The Coalition is delivering a multi-year project, funded by the Australian Civil Military Centre, to support civil society dialogue on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as part of Australia’s Second National Action Plan (2021–2031). Phase one (Oct–Dec 2022) produced a published report. Phase two involved a Sydney Roundtable where members and partners developed recommendations for government around five priorities: peace and security for all Australians, reshaping Australia’s peacemaking role, restructuring for global diplomacy, empowering diverse women and gender diverse people, and addressing climate change. The report also incorporates inputs from partner organisations unable to attend. While not exhaustive, each recommendation notes the relevant government agency for implementation. Ongoing consultation is essential to ensure WPS policy reflects the priorities of diverse women, girls and gender diverse people.
Centering First Nations Perspectives in the
Women, Peace and Security Agenda in
Australia
In October 2022, the Australian Civil Society Coalition consulted women and gender diverse people across Australia on peace and security priorities. A strong theme was the disproportionate impact of conflict and insecurity on First Nations women, highlighting the need for deeper exploration. In March 2023, the Coalition engaged Professor Sandra Creamer to conduct further research with 50 First Nations women through individual and group yarning, an Indigenous storytelling methodology akin to semi-structured interviews. This paper summarises findings from both consultations to support embedding the Women, Peace and Security agenda in First Nations policy, amplifying perspectives often overlooked in policy and research.
What do peace and security mean to diverse women in Australia?
Consultation findings
The Coalition is in the process of delivering a multi-year project, funded by the Australian Civil Military Centre, designed to support civil society dialogue and engagement on WPS as part of the implementation of Australia’s Second National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security (2021-2031). The first phase of the project involved a consultation to explore understandings of peace and security amongst women and gender diverse people in Australia, how perceptions of peace and security have been shaped by the changing national and global context, and what action diverse communities want to see the Australian Government take to build a safer and more peaceful world. The responses gathered through the consultation process have yielded a rich seam of data, which is outlined in this report and will inform the second phase of the project, aiming to generate detailed recommendations to inform the implementation and monitoring of Australia’s second National Action Plan on WPS.
Discussion summaries.
25 Years of WPS: Resistance & Resilience among Myanmar Women
This discussion paper captures powerful reflections from Myanmar women on 25 years of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Against the backdrop of ongoing armed conflict, systemic sexual violence, and a deepening humanitarian crisis, it highlights how women-led and gender-diverse organisations continue to drive resistance, provide lifesaving support, and build frameworks for peace and justice, often at great personal risk. The paper calls for urgent international solidarity, direct funding for women’s organisations, and the inclusion of diverse voices as central actors in peacebuilding and democracy movements in Myanmar.
25 Years of WPS: Amplifying Palestinian Women‘s Voices
This discussion summary captures key messages from a June 2025 dialogue hosted by the Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security, held amid the escalating crisis in Gaza. Grounded in the lived experiences of Palestinian women, it explores the gendered impacts of the conflict, their leadership on the frontlines, and the urgent need for accountability and international action. The paper calls on Australia and civil society to uphold WPS commitments through sustained advocacy, rights-based policy, and meaningful solidarity.
Towards a Queer-Inclusive WPS Agenda
in the Asia-Pacific
As part of our 2025 anniversary series marking 25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the establishment of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, the Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security hosted a virtual session focused on Afghanistan.
This timely discussion provided space to reflect on the evolving situation for Afghan women and girls under the current regime, and to explore how the WPS agenda can remain relevant and responsive in the face of worsening gender apartheid.
The session explored:
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How the WPS agenda can respond to gender apartheid in Afghanistan
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Key recommendations from recent advocacy efforts
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Practical steps for civil society, diaspora communities, and allies
Open statements.
Urgent Call for Action in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently facing an escalating humanitarian crisis, with sexual and gender-based violence being used as a systematic weapon of war. Women and girls bear the brunt of this violence, yet they continue to be excluded from critical peace processes. In response, the Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace and Security has issued a statement calling for immediate action to prevent further violence, support survivors, and ensure the inclusion of women in peacebuilding efforts. To fulfil its commitments under the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Australia must intensify humanitarian aid, enforce accountability measures, and actively engage in diplomatic efforts to advance peace and justice.
Women Demand Urgent Action and Accountability for Gaza Crisis
The Australian Civil Society Coalition on Women, Peace, and Security urgently appeals to the Australian Government to take immediate and decisive action in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We adamantly advocate for an immediate ceasefire, demand accountability for attacks on civilians, and call for increased support for Palestinian women who bear a disproportionate burden of the conflict’s impact. With the support of over 60 esteemed Australian women leaders and peace activists, we stand united in our commitment to addressing this urgent crisis. We invite you to join our cause and lend your voice to the call for action.
Express Your Support: https://lnkd.in/gehyE_sJ