Global health and gender equality: advancing Women, Peace and Security by preventing neglected tropical diseases

As of January 2019, 79 countries have Women, Peace and Security (WPS) national action plans (NAPs) aligned with the October 2000 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.1 International cooperation efforts have since expanded to include the development of 11 regional action plans for WPS, including by the African Union and European Union.2 In 2017, the United States passed legislation mandating the government increase women’s participation in security processes and peacekeeping operations.3 Improved measurement tools, such as the Women, Peace and Security Index, have allowed for comprehensive analysis by country as many nations continue to update and expand their action plans.4 Through such strategic initiatives, gender inclusion is a pathway for countries to promote peace and enhance political stability; yet full participation of women remains to be seen, as they are often excluded from decision-making processes. Within the WPS paradigm, advocacy and promotion of women’s health are vital to achieving strategic objectives. Furthermore, gender equality and the inclusion of women should be prioritised to promote meaningful participation of all citizens.