The Peace Under Pressure: Protecting Women, Peace and Security report has been published, highlighting significant weaknesses in the UK’s approach to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. Several of the most influential recommendations were shaped directly by researchers in the Politics Department in SoSS.

Professor Toni Haastrup, Professor of Politics, played a central role in the inquiry, advising the Committee on its terms of reference, providing written and oral evidence, and helping shape the lines of questioning used with ministers and senior officials. Her research on feminist foreign policy and the limitations of current WPS implementation forms a core part of the Committee’s conclusions.

Toni said: “I am pleased to see the Committee acknowledge both the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the urgent need to strengthen its implementation. Our research at Manchester shows that while the UK has made strong rhetorical commitments, meaningful progress requires sustained resources, genuine cross government ownership, and a more inclusive understanding of whose security counts.

“Reviewing and revitalising the National Action Plan is a crucial step, but it must be backed by long-term investment and a commitment to supporting the rights and security of all women and gender diverse people, both in the UK and internationally. I hope the government will take these recommendations forward.”

The report makes recommendations based on written evidence submitted by Dr Laura McLeod, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, and Dr Georgina Holmes (Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at the Open University). They provided expert evidence drawing attention to the need for more robust monitoring and evaluation of the UK’s WPS implementation.

Laura added: “As my own research on WPS indicators has shown, it is easy to dismiss indicators, recounting bureaucratic pitfalls, and to talk about the perils of co-option. But so many feminists have found ways to make indicators meaningful for women living in insecure contexts and have enacted change through wielding them. In the right hands, they can be a tool for transformation. And this is even more important as we see gender backlash and defunding – reminding people of our goals and targets can be a means of keeping positive political change high on the political agenda."

Dr Jamie J Hagen, Lecturer in International Politics, also provided expert written evidence, drawing attention to gaps in cross government implementation, and the need for the WPS agenda to better protect LGBTQ rights.

Jamie noted: “Importantly, the report highlights how gender equality efforts within WPS and more broadly are under threat globally. In response, it is crucial that the UK fund opportunities for LGBTQ collaboration and engagement with the WPS agenda. Lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women have much to contribute to gender justice work, including linking domestic and international commitments to a robust gender perspective on peace and security."

Many of the recommendations made by the Committee, including the call to review and strengthen the UK’s National Action Plan on WPS, reflect arguments advanced by the Manchester academics who collectively offer breadth and depth of expertise on the WPS agenda. As well as Toni, Laura and Jamie, the WPS-focused research is also delivered by Dr Hannah Wright, Lecturer in Global Politics, and several PhD students.

The publication comes amid ongoing cuts to the Overseas Development Assistance budget. The Manchester team has warned that diminishing resources may further undermine the UK’s ability to lead on gender equality, conflict prevention, and inclusive peacebuilding.