SOUTHCOM Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Program

The U.S. Southern Command Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Program is part of a national effort to promote the meaningful contributions of women in the defense and security sectors around the world.

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The U.S. strategy on women, peace and security provides the Defense Department with an internationally recognized path to pursuing long-term security and stability while also demonstrating our commitment to dignity, human rights and equality under the law. At its core, the WPS strategy recognizes the unique effect of conflict on women and girls, as well as the positive influence women have on everything from peace negotiations to managing and minimizing conflict.

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“Reaffirming also the need to implement fully international humanitarian and human rights law that protects the rights of women and girls during and after conflicts.” – 2000 UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325

The SOUTHCOM’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Program recognizes the various roles women play as agents of change in preventing and resolving conflict, countering terrorism and violent extremism as well as building post-conflict peace and stability in our Hemisphere.

The 2023 U.S. National Strategy on WPS includes five Lines of Effort: Participation; Protection; Relief, Response, and Recovery; Integration and Institutionalization; and Partnerships. This approach provides unique engagement opportunities to strengthen bilateral relationships with regional partners through collective efforts that reinforce women’s empowerment, meaningful participation in decision-making, protection from violence, and access to resources.

Inclusiveness increases mission effectiveness and drives positive outcomes. With women making up over 50% of the population, they bring unique and necessary skills to security forces. We know that when we invest in a woman, she changes not only her own life, but also that of her family and community. Add that change in a key institution, such as the military, and she will change that institution and her country.

While structural changes to recruitment, training, and promotion systems are critical, we must also acknowledge the contributions of talented women across the security sector. We have made it our mission to empower women by highlighting those who are breaking barriers in our region. We want to make those that are invisible, visible.

About Our Team

The WPS Program falls under the direct oversight of the SOUTHCOM Civilian Deputy to the Commander. The WPS Team’s main responsibilities include:

Advising the Commander and staff on the integration of sex related perspectives in military operations, activities, and investments (OAIs) across the continuum of defense and security sectors in our region.
Ensuring the command accurately represent the roles of women and men in our plans and exercises.
Encouraging the partners to implement policies, plans, and structural changes that enhance the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes related to peace and security.
Building relationships, networks, and mutual understanding to enable collaboration.