The Philippines is the first country in Asia to adopt a national action plan on women, peace and security. The plan rests on three main pillars: 1) protection of women’s human rights and prevention of any violation during and after armed conflicts; 2) women empowerment and participation in security-related policymaking; and 3) promotion and mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the security sector. While laudable, the action plan remains aspirational, and support is needed for success.

This workshop will provide its participants with important information on women's participation in security forces and armed forces in the Philippines.

Sponsored by the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's Office of Women, Peace and Security, the workshop aims to advance the WPS agenda by engaging with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, gathering 20 of their officers, for a thematic three-day programming focused on developing basic understanding and appreciation of Women, Peace, and Security concepts as they apply to maritime security. Research collected in this project will be published in the fall of 2023 to highlight key statistics related to the roles and contributions of women in the Philippines' maritime security sector, underscore gaps in the implementation of the WPS National Action Plan, and offer sound, pragmatic, and actionable recommendations.