Holding the Line on Women, Peace and Security

This report published by WO=MEN: Dutch Gender Platform marks the 25th anniversary of the UN resolution to establish the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda with an urgent call to redouble enforcement efforts. For policymakers, practitioners, and other WPS advocates, Holding the Line on Women, Peace and Security uses insights from 2025 NATO discussions to inform concrete guidance for protecting women’s rights in conflict. The report offers actionable strategies to keep gender equality a key part of peacemaking—even as backlash, instability, and shrinking civic space make that work harder. It is structured around four core priorities: 1. Recognizing pushback, 2. Strategic messaging to hold and create space, 3. Strengthening collaboration, and 4. Building resilience.