National Action Plan of Greece on Women, Peace and Security (2023-2028) at a Glance
Setting the Scene
- The National Action Plan of Greece on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) (2023-2028) is a five-year policy document aimed at enhancing the national implementation of the UN Security Council Agenda on Women, Peace, and Security (UNSC Agenda on WPS).
- It addresses the disproportionate impact of armed conflict and violence on women and girls.
- It is informed by regional frameworks such as the EU and NATO/EAPC policies on gender and WPS.
National Framework on Gender Equality
- Adopted in December 2023, the NAPWPS supports gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, both domestically and internationally.
- It aims to integrate gender considerations across all national policies, adhering to the national legal framework, including Law No. 4604/2019 and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality (2021-2025).
Development and Monitoring
- A whole-of-government approach involves multiple ministries and institutions, including the National Commission of Human Rights, the Office of the Ombudsman, and academia.
- Developed by an Inter-ministerial Working Group through public consultations with civil society and stakeholders.
- Implementation is monitored by a gender-inclusive Inter-ministerial Working Group coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Structure of the NAPWPS
The plan focuses on five pillars:
- Prevention: Preventing armed conflict and gender-based violence.
- Participation: Promoting the leadership and participation of women in decision-making.
- Protection: Safeguarding women and girls from violence and legal violations.
- Relief and Recovery: Assisting survivors of gender-based and sexual violence.
- Promotion: Advancing the UNSC Agenda on WPS internationally.
- It includes 27 actions, detailed through specific, time-bound projects.
International Promotion of the UNSC Agenda on WPS
- Emphasizes the UNSC Agenda on WPS ahead of the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 in 2025.
- Gender and WPS are integrated into Greece’s defense and foreign policies.
- The WPS agenda is a priority in Greece’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (2025-2026).
- Greece aims to highlight the protection of women and girls in conflict settings at the UN Security Council.
- Gender equality and protection of women and girls are key priorities in UN human rights forums and regional frameworks by the EU and NATO.
- On a bilateral level, Greece seeks innovative partnerships to enhance women’s inclusion in peace and political processes.
Focal Point
Mr. Michalis G. Retalis – Expert Minister Counselor, Human Rights and Gender/ D03 Directorate, Council of Europe and Human Rights/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs