Partners in Peace and Security

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, WAND was honored to help plan and participate in the U.S. Civil Society Working Group (U.S. CSWG)  event, “Partners in Peace and Security: A Panel Discussion on the Anniversary of the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security,” hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace.  A high-level panel offered an assessment of implementation of the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (U.S. NAP) since it was enacted by Executive Order of President Obama in December 2011. Panelists included Ambassador Melanne Verveer from the U.S. Department of State, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense William Lietzau from the U.S. Department of Defense, Rob Berschinski from the National Security Council, and Carla Koppell from the U.S. Agency for International Development, along with representatives of the civil society working group; Sanam Anderlini from the International Civil Society Action Network, Joan Timoney from the Women’s Refugee Commission, and Chantal de Jonge Oudraat from SIPRI North America.

The event both celebrated the progress that has been made integrating the U.S. NAP into the efforts of the State Department, U.S. AID, and the Department of Defense, and the sharing of knowledge and  experience between civil society organizations and government agencies. Particularly evident was the government-wide commitment to implementation of the women, peace, and security agenda. The event was also used as an opportunity to honor Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues Melanne Verveer, who will transition from the Administration back to civil society as the new Director of Georgetown’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security.  Ambassador Verveer’s persistence, professionalism and profound effect on the lives of women and girls all over the world were echoed by many of her colleagues and friends.  At the event, the Ambassador also announced that President Obama had committed to making the Ambassador of Global Women’s Issues a permanent position within the State Department, securing U.S. efforts to ensure the progress and protection of women and girls globally.

WAND’s work to secure full implementation of the U.S. NAP through its policy and advocacy efforts, and partnership with David Cortright, director of Policy Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, to promote the inclusion and protection of Afghan women through the withdrawal of U.S. troops, was highlighted at the U.S. CSWG Open House and Reception following the event.  Along with its 20+ U.S. CSWG partner organizations, representing a broad range of expertise, WAND hosted a resource table and shared information about our women, peace, and security work with representatives from government agencies, policymakers and congressional staff.

WAND Senior Public Policy Director Kathy Crandall Robinson manning the WAND table at the USIP Reception

WAND Public Policy Director Tanya Henderson with Ambassador Verveer