We’re marking the UN Security Council’s landmark resolution while reflecting on the work that still lies ahead.

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The Women, Peace and Security Agenda

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Today marks 25 years of UN Security Council (UNSCR) 1325, recognising the vital role of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS).

At the Berghof Foundation, we work with women peacebuilders and mediators around the world who foster dialogue, build trust and strengthen social cohesion in their communities, whether through local projects or at the negotiation table in national and international peace processes.

Why it matters now:

Conflicts are increasingly complex and gender-based violence is rising.
Political backsliding threatens hard-won gains in gender equality.
Women are too often seen as only victims rather than essential agents of change.

Our commitment:

Support women-led peace initiatives on the ground.
Promote gender-responsive approaches in policy and institutions.
Engage men as allies and break down siloes to strengthen peace processes.

Discover how we put WPS into action by reading below, and be inspired by the courage, leadership and impact of women transforming conflict around the world.

Supporting Women, Peace and Security

At the core of the WPS Agenda is the principle that women should have the chance to participate fully and meaningfully in peace processes. While it has boosted women’s visibility globally, gains are under threat as “strongman” politics rise and progress on gender inclusion stalls in many regions.

Join us in exploring what meaningful participation truly looks like in 2025 and beyond.

Our Executive Director Chris Coulter spoke at the UN's high-level meeting on the Secretary General's Common Pledge on women's participation in peace processes.

She underscored the importance of focusing on implementing existing commitments and agendas rather than creating new ones.

Watch the recording of her speech

Advancing women’s leadership for climate and peace

Across Somalia, it has become increasingly evident that the effects of environmental degradation and climate-related risks are strongly gendered.

Our WPS programming in the country addresses the gendered climate-related risks and aims to further strengthen women’s role as peace leaders.

Read the blog from our colleague Teresa Isabel Andion-Wessel.

Europe must lead on Women, Peace and Security

“Real progress depends on supporting the women already doing the work on the ground.”

Chris Coulter urges governments and multilateral institutions to prioritise the WPS Agenda and integrate its framework into policies and actions, ensuring women’s inclusion and the foundation of lasting peace.

Read her piece from the EUObserver.

Video: Integrating women from resistance and liberation movements into peace processes

Despite it being 25 years since UNSCR 1325, women in and associated with resistance and liberation movements (WRLMs) are still not integrated in peace negotiations and post-war transition processes.

Watch the recording to hear WRLMs share their experiences taking part in formal and informal peace processes, as well as the challenges they faced.

Read our latest policy paper "At and around the table", which sheds light on the diverse roles of WRLMs in peace processes.

Women, war and peace – France24’s “The 51%”

On France24's programme “The 51%”, Chris Coulter reflected on the progress of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda 25 years after its adoption, the gaps that remain on the path to true gender equality and how these lessons can drive inclusive and sustainable peace.

Watch the episode.

SUPPORT US

Invest in peace and help us ensure our impact is sustainable. We are looking for partners to support our work. When you donate to Berghof, you enable us to sustain and expand our work where it is most needed.

Whether through a single donation or recurring contribution, your support gives peace a fighting chance.

Learn more.

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