As a member of the U.S. Civil Society Working Group on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Women for Women International joins the call for congressional oversight of the bipartisan Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017. For the first time since its passage, the U.S. Government has not submitted the legally required report to Congress, which was due on October 31, 2025. This unprecedented delay underscores the importance of renewed collective action on the bipartisan WPS framework and for fulfilling the legal responsibilities it entails.
The Women, Peace, and Security Act represents a landmark commitment by the United States to integrate women’s participation and leadership into peacebuilding, security, and decision-making processes—both at home and abroad. Oversight of its implementation is essential to ensure that this commitment translates into real, measurable progress for women affected by conflict.
Women for Women International works directly with women survivors of war and conflict around the world, supporting them to rebuild their lives, strengthen their communities, and advocate for lasting peace. Our 2024 global consultations on Women, Peace and Security with over 6,500 women in 14 conflict-affected countries and our programmatic and partnership experience show us that when women are meaningfully included in peace and security processes, outcomes are more durable, impactful, and sustainable. Ensuring full implementation of the WPS Act in the US is therefore not only a matter of legal compliance. It is critical to advancing global stability and women’s rights and building a more peaceful future in the communities where we work.
We echo the collective call of the U.S. Civil Society Working Group for Congress to exercise its oversight authority, urge the Administration to submit the overdue report, and reaffirm the United States’ global leadership in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and commitment to peace, justice, and gender equality.
Relevant Links:
US Civil Society Working Group on Women, Peace and Security Statement
Women for Women International’s Global Policy and Advocacy Partnerships Page
Alliance For Peacebuilding Statement on the 25th Anniversary of the WPS Agenda
