Shaheen’s Bipartisan Bill Bolstering Women’s Leadership in Peace Negotiations and Conflict Resolution Signed into Law

(Washington, DC) — Today, Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-NH) bipartisan bill, the Women, Peace and Security Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump. The bill bolsters the role of women in peace negotiations and conflict resolution around the world. Senator Shaheen, the only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reintroduced the bill earlier this year with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

“We need female representation on the world stage that accurately reflects the makeup of communities directly impacted by violence and armed conflict,” said Shaheen. “I’m proud that this bipartisan effort will sustain the U.S. commitment to promoting greater female representation in conflict resolution and peace-building. Reinforcing these priorities by statute will help to ensure our country continues to implement the United Nations Security Council Resolution on the role of women in peace and security by training American diplomats, military personnel and development workers on these important issues, and by requiring the President to produce a strategy to make this a U.S. foreign policy priority.”

“When it comes to peacekeeping and mediation, it just makes sense for women to have a seat at the table. We are natural and effective problem-solvers, and we should have the opportunity to be more involved in these critical international discussions,” Senator Capito said. “Senator Shaheen and I introduced the Women, Peace and Security Act to help promote women’s inclusion in peace processes, and I’m so glad President Trump signed it into law.”

The Women, Peace and Security Act advances the priorities outlined in the United States’ National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and ensures the US continues to advocate for women’s inclusion and engagement in the peace-building process to prevent, moderate and resolve violent conflict.

Senator Shaheen has been a leading voice in the Senate on women’s global issues. Last month, the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs annual appropriations bill included Senator Shaheen’s amendment to repeal the Global Gag Rule and to allocate federal dollars for international family planning and reproductive health programs. She has also introduced the Keeping Girls in School Act, which would focus attention on the challenges adolescent girls around the world face in accessing a quality education.