What is the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program?
The WPS program aims to increase women’s participation in peace and security planning and protect women from violence in conflict situations. It originated from a 2000 United Nations resolution.
US Politics / Defense
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ended the Pentagon’s Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, sparking controversy due to its initial establishment during the Trump administration. Hegseth cited DEI concerns, dismissing the program as a...
The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, originating from a 2000 United Nations security council resolution, aimed to increase women’s participation in peace and security planning and protect women from violence in conflict situations. The program was codified into law in the US in 2017 under the Trump administration. Hegseth’s recent decision to end the program is based on his view that it has become a "woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative" that distracts from war-fighting.
This move has created tension, given that key figures in the Trump administration, such as Kristi Noem (Homeland Security secretary) and Marco Rubio (secretary of state), actively supported and promoted the WPS program. Noem even wrote the 2017 legislation while serving in Congress, and Rubio co-sponsored the Senate version.
Critics argue that dismantling the WPS program undermines U.S. national security interests. Senator Jeanne Shaheen stated that Hegseth "cannot unilaterally terminate the program Congress passed" and that he ignores "the invaluable role women play in our national security." Senator Jacky Rosen added that "advancing women’s role in U.S. national security isn’t ‘woke’ – research shows that promoting women's participation in conflict prevention, peace processes, and our military makes us stronger."
The decision also comes amid broader concerns about turmoil within the Department of Defense, including the "Signalgate" firings and allegations against Hegseth for sharing sensitive information.
The WPS program aims to increase women’s participation in peace and security planning and protect women from violence in conflict situations. It originated from a 2000 United Nations resolution.
Hegseth believes the program has become a "woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative" that distracts from the core task of war-fighting.
Yes, the Women, Peace and Security Act was signed into law by President Trump in 2017.
Democrats like Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jacky Rosen, among others, have criticized the decision, arguing it undermines national security.
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