ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security for 2025 Onwards
We look at why women and girls can play a crucial role in peacebuilding efforts in ASEAN. We also delve into how the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security frame is used by ASEAN member states to improve national-level protection and advocacy of women's rights.
In 2023, an estimated 117 million people were forcibly displaced globally due to conflict and violence. Half of these displaced individuals were women and girls. That year also saw the number of women killed in armed conflict double compared to the previous year, along with a significant increase in sexual violence in conflict situations. Studies have repeatedly shown that women and girls are disproportionately affected by armed conflicts and human security threats, especially in the ASEAN region, where a substantial number of those impacted by armed conflict are women and children.
The effects of conflict on women and girls extend beyond physical harm; these effects are multifaceted and complex. Displaced women face greater challenges in addressing their specific health needs during conflict due to limited available services, such as maternal health care and sexual and reproductive health services. Women and girls are also at a high risk of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking during conflicts. However, it is crucial to recognize that women and girls should not be viewed solely as weak victims. As some of the most affected individuals during conflicts, women and girls hold the potential to become vital contributors to peacebuilding efforts.
Initiatives on Inclusivity of Women in Peace Actions in ASEAN
To address the disproportionate impact of protracted armed conflicts on women in ASEAN, the AMPLIFY project was established last year by The Asia Foundation, with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims to enhance women’s involvement in peace and security efforts in ASEAN countries by advocating for women’s peace initiatives at regional, national, and community levels, particularly in areas facing insecurity. This is one of the few Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiatives in the ASEAN region.
On a regional level, there have been significant strides in advocating for the integration of the WPS agenda into national policies. One of the key regional frameworks is the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women (RPA on WPS), which was launched in 2022 to formally recognize the crucial role of women in peace and security in the ASEAN region. The plan acknowledges the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and emphasizes the need for their equal and meaningful participation in peace-building and security efforts.
The ASEAN RPA on WPS draws inspiration from the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and seeks to adapt the global WPS framework to the specific context of Southeast Asia. The regional framework can be categorized into five matrices, or rather, five priority actions, which are:
While it's true that the ASEAN RPA on WPS represents a step forward in protecting women’s rights, particularly in peace and security, its implementation has faced several challenges. One key concern has been the gap between regional acceptance and national implementation. Despite ASEAN member states being committed to the plan, translating the priority actions of the framework into practice at the national level remains inadequate. There is difficulty in understanding and determining how to localize the WPS agenda within individual member states due to limited awareness of the agenda itself.
To address this challenge, a training program for government officials on localizing the ASEAN RPA on WPS was held in 2024. This program, organized by ASEAN and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR) in collaboration with UN Women, aimed to equip officials with the knowledge and skills necessary to convert regional commitments into national action plans. We must continue to monitor this regional initiative and advocate for its effective national implementation.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The success of the RPA on WPS will depend on several factors in 2025 and beyond. To lead the ASEAN region on this agenda, the ASEAN RPA on WPS provides a comprehensive roadmap for advancing the WPS agenda in the region despite its challenges. Implementation challenges remain, but overall, the plan presents significant opportunities for promoting women's meaningful participation in peace and security.
Going forward, it is essential to close the gap between regional commitments and national implementation. This will involve ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the WPS agenda at the national level, offering capacity-building support to government officials, and incorporating WPS principles into national policies and programs. Context is crucial in a diverse region. The approach must be intersectional and acknowledge the diversity of women in ASEAN member states. This involves considering the various experiences and needs of women from different backgrounds and ensuring the RPA on WPS includes all women.
Nevertheless, we still need to tackle foundational issues and root causes, such as gender inequality and violence against women. Addressing patriarchal attitudes, promoting gender equality, and ensuring women's access to justice and support services remain essential action plans for the broader WPS initiative. By tackling these challenges and seizing the opportunities, ASEAN can ensure that the RPA on WPS serves as a catalyst for transformative change, fostering a more peaceful, secure, and inclusive region for everyone.
