Assessing the Potential of National Action Plans to Advance Implementation of Unites Nations Security Council Resolution 1325

Adopted by the UN Security Council ten years ago, Resolution 1325 (SCR 1325) introduced a new dialogue into the discourse of the most powerful multilateral security institution in the world. The concept of gender equality and the role of women in peace and security were rarely methodically incorporated in the narrative of the Security Council prior to the first debate on ‘women, peace and security that took place in 2000.

The focus in recent years has been on the potential that ‘National Action Plans' may offer as a means of advancing implementation of the resolution. Action plans, and the development of much needed indicators and monitoring mechanisms, are lauded as possible ‘solutions' to the current deficit.

This article presents an overview of current debates and the strategies promoted at the international level to advance the ‘women, peace and security' agenda. The article focuses specifically on SCR 1325 as the over-arching instrument that has set the benchmark for this international agenda.