Women This Week: Hegseth Announces End to Women, Peace and Security Program
Enacted During Trump’s First Term to Promote Women’s Participation in Security Efforts
On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced an end to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Program. In a post on X, Hegseth wrongfully attributed the program to Biden, saying “WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops,” and is a distraction “pushed by feminists and left-wing activists.” In fact, President Trump signed the first WPS Act into law in 2017. WPS promotes the participation of women in peace and security efforts, which has been shown to improve outcomes, including the durability of peace agreements. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who championed the WPS Act in Congress, criticized the Secretary’s decision, saying it was short-sighted and unlawful. “WPS is law; the Secretary cannot unilaterally terminate the program Congress passed because he doesn’t understand how the inclusion and participation of women in mediation and negotiation make a measurable difference in preventing, mitigating and resolving violent conflicts and keeping America safe.” Experts worry that eliminating the WPS program will also impact the military’s ability to recruit and retain a capable and prepared force.
Upward Trend of Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
This week, President Ruto of Kenya extended an effort aimed at combating gender-based violence in his country. A forty-two-member high-level team, known as the Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), will now be given additional time to produce a review on existing laws and policies as well as recommendations for how Kenya handles GBV and femicide, which remains a significant problem. Activists have noted that 2024 was “the deadliest year on record for Kenyan women,” with the Silencing Women Project recording 170 femicides. The prime suspect in the murder of Olympic champion, Agnes Tirop, also disappeared after being released on bail. Tirop, a two-time bronze medalist and world record holder, was found stabbed to death in her home in 2021. The failure to hold the perpetrator accountable is a sign of how femicide is often treated with “complete negligence,” by police, said the Silencing Women Project. “It’s a failure of the police, a failure of the judiciary and a failure of our government,” said women’s rights activist Rachael Mwikali.
Earthquake in Myanmar Leaves Women and Girls in Crisis
In late March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake devastated central Myanmar, collapsing hospitals, homes, and roads in Mandalay and Sagaing. The earthquake further exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis caused by prolonged civil war between the military junta who took power in a 2021 coup and armed groups. As monsoon rains begin, aid workers now face flooded roads, the threat posed by armed groups, and deep funding cuts that are severely limiting the humanitarian response. The UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, known as UNFPA, has deployed mobile Rapid Response Teams, which are distributing dignity kits and hygiene supplies and are working to provide maternal and mental health services. “Everything collapsed in a matter of seconds,” said Thein Zaw Win, UNFPA’s Communications and Advocacy Analyst. Ongoing operations by the junta military, despite a ceasefire, are making matters worse. Women and girls are facing heightened risk from gender-based violence and the lack of reproductive health services. Frequent power outages and dangerous shelter conditions add to their vulnerability.
Diya Mehta is the intern for the Women and Foreign Policy Program.
