GCC Commitments to Women, Peace, and Security: Reflections on 25 Years of Progress

​​​Nourah Shuaibi

​Today, we have an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by nations in promoting gender equality, while acknowledging the collective global efforts toward achieving a more equitable future for all. In the context of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, we can highlight the significant progress made in incorporating women into peacebuilding, security, and governance. In recent years, GCC states have undertaken deliberate and concerted efforts to advance the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

​GCC’s Commitment to WPS: A Regional Overview
 
The GCC member states made significant progress towards positioning women in the context of peace and security, where historical path dependence has been challenged as a hinderance to societal progress. Historically, women in the region were often excluded from formal peace processes, diplomatic negotiations, and leadership positions. Today, however, we see an increased recognition of the critical role that women play in preventing conflict, resolving disputes, and building sustainable peace.
 
Most notably, Kuwait has established its National Committee on Women, Peace, and Security, setting a regional example for increasing women's participation in policy decisions. Similarly, the UAE's creation of its National Action Plan (NAP) for Women, Peace, and Security in 2021 aims to enhance women's participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery.
 
Saudi Arabia has also been proactive in integrating women into the workforce, particularly in security sector. With the inclusion of women in the military and police forces, the Kingdom has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing female representation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Additionally, Qatar has championed regional programs like the MENA Women Peacebuilders Initiative, which helps in fostering a generation of women peacebuilders across the Arab world.
 
Finally, Bahrain and Oman have played crucial roles by hosting international forums and working with regional organizations to promote women’s inclusion in peace and security. Both countries emphasize the importance of women’s involvement in leadership roles, advocating for gender-responsive policies that align with international WPS standards.
 
Celebrating Key Initiatives and Successes
 
1. Women in Security Forces
One of the most significant achievements that warrants a mention is the active participation of women in military and security forces, which not only aids in breaking down gender barriers, but  contributes to a paradigm shift in how conflict is viewed, analyzed, and avoided. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have led the way, opening doors for women in the armed forces, police, and security services. These efforts are part of broader national reforms under Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia) and UAE Vision 2021, which aim to diversify the workforce and enhance women’s roles in national defense and security.
 
Saudi Arabia’s landmark decision to recruit women in various defense roles—such as the border guards and security forces—is a powerful step toward a more inclusive approach to national security. The country has also made strides in improving women's representation in peace processes, with women being part of diplomatic delegations to international summits.
 
2. Support for Women’s Rights in Conflict Zones and Post-Conflict Recovery
Bahrain has been active in promoting the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda by hosting international discussions and supporting women from conflict-affected regions. For instance, Bahrain has partnered with the United Nations and other international bodies, such as the UN Women and UNDP, to provide platforms for women’s voices in peace negotiations. A notable example is “Tawazon” program launched in November 2023, which enhances the capacity of Bahrain’s Equal Opportunities Committees and trains on gender mainstreaming, policy, and legislation analysis, as well as gender-responsive budgeting. Another example is Bahrain’s involvement in the UN Women’s Global Initiative on Women’s Leadership in conflict resolution, which helps amplify the contributions of women in peace processes.
 
Similarly, Oman has aligned its national strategies with broader regional goals, such as the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 30 years after adoption, in 2024, the country reaffirmed its commitment to the frameworks setting the path for advancing women’s rights, which culminated in the Muscat Declaration during the high-level regional meeting. Moreover, Oman’s endorsement of the Regional Action Plan (RAP) on Women, Peace, and Security, alongside its partnerships with UNDP, further underscores its assurance to creating a secure and stable environment for women in conflict zones.
 
Addressing Challenges and Areas of Improvement
 
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues is the underrepresentation of women in high-level peace negotiations. Despite their involvement in local and regional peacebuilding efforts, women’s voices are still often sidelined in formal peace treaties and high-level diplomatic efforts. This gap remains a key area for further progress.
 
There is still work to be done in terms of enhancing the economic empowerment of women, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Women in the GCC are increasingly involved in governance and leadership roles, but more targeted efforts are required to ensure their economic independence to shock-proof the population from any future instability or conflict. Encouraging women’s entrepreneurship and providing greater access to financial resources and decision-making platforms are essential steps for achieving lasting peace.
 
Looking Forward: The Future of Women, Peace, and Security in the GCC
 
The GCC has made significant strides in integrating the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into national and regional frameworks. However, the journey is far from complete. As we commemorate International Women's Day, there is an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of GCC countries to further advancing the WPS agenda. This includes strengthening women’s representation in peace talks by ensuring their meaningful participation in formal peace negotiations and conflict resolution. A viable solution would be to increase investment in capacity-building programs for women leaders in peacebuilding.
 
Expanding support for women in conflict zones presents a critical opportunity for the GCC to strategically leverage its economic and diplomatic capacities. By directing resources toward women in these settings, the cooperation can facilitate their active participation in community reconstruction processes and enhance their contributions to peacebuilding initiatives. Moreover, the systematic integration of gender considerations into security and defense policies is imperative. To this end, gender-sensitive frameworks should be integrated into national security strategies, ensuring that the specific needs and roles of women are comprehensively addressed at every stage of conflict management, from prevention to post-conflict recovery.

About the Author
Nourah Shuaibi is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University.