Global Network of Women Legislators in Defence Security and Peace Portfolios

This pilot project of five months aims to enable women legislators in defence security and peace portfolios to establish a functional network for peer support and exchange of experience. It seeks to set up a support the recently established Global Network of Women Legislators in Defence Security and Peace portfolios (WLID). This network acts as a functional mechanism to address barriers to increased representation and meaningful participation of elected women in conflict prevention and resolution. It serves as a platform to bolster the advancement of (WPS) National Action Plans. Project activities are primarily focused on steps to guide the creation of the WLID Secretariat and include: (1) consulting other regional and international networks to learn lessons and refine the niche of the network; (2) creating a work plan for WLID; (3) recruiting new WLID members; (4) designing and populating a secure WLID membership database; (5) developing internal and external communications plans; (6) developing concept papers for WLID activities; and (7) drafting a network membership orientation package.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced capacities of women legislators in defence security and peace-building portfolios to connect communicate and learn from each other; and (2) enhanced skills and knowledge of women legislators in defence security and peace-building portfolios to engage in discussion about tools and processes that will support their efforts to have more influence over policy.