Select Committee · International Development Committee

Women, peace and security

Status: Closed Opened: 7 Mar 2025 Closed: 10 Jun 2026 12 recommendations 11 conclusions 1 report

The International Development Committee is launching a new inquiry into how the UK Government is involving the needs and voices of women in its development efforts. The cross-party committee of MPs will explore the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, adopted by the United Nations, considering how this agenda is being incorporated into UK aid … Show more

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Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
10th Report - Peace under pressure: Protecting Women, Peace… HC 782 23 Mar 2026 23 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

3 items
1 Conclusion 10th Report - Peace under pressure: Pro… Accepted

The future of the Women, Peace and Security agenda hangs in the balance.

The future of the Women, Peace and Security agenda hangs in the balance. The agenda is more critical than ever against the backdrop of rising conflicts, a global anti–gender movement and a reported backsliding on the rights of women and girls. The UK is a penholder for Women, Peace and … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees, rejecting the assertion of being 'idle' and highlighting numerous ongoing efforts, including the Foreign Secretary's reaffirmation of leadership, active championing of WPS at the UN Security Council, and consistent advocacy through NATO and the OSCE.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
2 Recommendation 10th Report - Peace under pressure: Pro… Accepted

Gender equality should not become a footnote in UK diplomacy.

Gender equality should not become a footnote in UK diplomacy. The UK must use its clout on the international stage to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This means using the tools it has at its disposal. The UK should be seen to advocate for Women, … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government 'Partially Agrees', detailing existing extensive efforts and ongoing commitments to champion the WPS agenda in multilateral forums like the UN, NATO, and OSCE, including advocating for gender-sensitive language, promoting WPS positions, and integrating WPS considerations into operational planning.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
7 Recommendation 10th Report - Peace under pressure: Pro… Accepted

The UK should take a more active role in peace processes and make certain that...

The UK should take a more active role in peace processes and make certain that women can meaningfully participate. This includes working with organisations and non–governmental organisations to embed accountability for breaches of Women, Peace and Security efforts. The Government should prioritise gender equality and women’s rights in conflict prevention, … Read more

Government response AI summary
The government partially agrees, stating it already focuses on influencing others, champions women's full and safe participation in peace processes, and advocates for them in conflict prevention. It reaffirms UK leadership on WPS and its existing priorities.
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Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
16 Dec 2025 Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP · Ministry of Defence, Chris Elmore MP · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Emily Maltman · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Stuart Mills · Ministry of Defence View ↗
18 Nov 2025 Eva Tabbasam · Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS), Professor Toni Haastrup · The University of Manchester, Reem Alsalem · United Nations View ↗
14 Oct 2025 Fawzia Koofi · Afghan Parliament, Fiona Kilpatrick-Cooper · The HALO Trust, Hanin Ahmed · Emergency Response Rooms, Sudan, Stephanie Siddall · Women for Women International, The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon View ↗

Who gave evidence

12 witnesses
WitnessOrganisationSessions
Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister … Ministry of Defence 1
Chris Elmore MP · Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Multil… Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 1
Emily Maltman · Head of Gender and Children in Conflict Department Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 1
Eva Tabbasam · Director Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) 1
Fawzia Koofi · Former Deputy Speaker Afghan Parliament 1
Fiona Kilpatrick-Cooper · Director of Weapons and Ammunition Management The HALO Trust 1
Hanin Ahmed · Sudanese Activist and Emergency Response Room Lea… Emergency Response Rooms, Sudan 1
Professor Toni Haastrup · Professor The University of Manchester 1
Reem Alsalem · Special rapporteur on violence against women and … United Nations 1
Stephanie Siddall · Director of Global Policy and Advocacy Women for Women International 1
Stuart Mills · Head of Global Issues, Security Policy and Operat… Ministry of Defence 1
The Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon 1