The Women, Peace and Security Congressional Caucus

History of the US Women, Peace and Security Congressional Caucus

In 2017, the US Government took an important step toward involving women in decision-making on matters of war and peace through the adoption of the Women, Peace and Security Act (Public Law No: 115-68). This law recognizes the promotion of active, meaningful roles for women in all aspects and levels of their communities. It underscores the role of women in advancing inclusivity, democracy, and long-term stability within societies. It also makes clear that the US Congress recognizes that the meaningful participation of women in decision-making is a US foreign policy priority. The policy goals enshrined in the Women, Peace and Security Act of 2017 and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 are critical to global peace and the prosperity of future generations.

That is why Our Secure Future spearheaded the establishment of the bipartisan Congressional Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Caucus, officially launched in March 2020. The Founding Co-Chairs of the WPS Caucus were Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL). Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) succeeded Representative Waltz as the Republican WPS Caucus Co-Chair in 2023, joining Representative Frankel. Our Secure Future's WPS Congressional Fellow, Hans Hogrefe supports the work of the Caucus, the Members, and the Women, Peace and Security community of practice broadly.

Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Co-Chairs of the WPS Congressional Caucus

What does the WPS Caucus do?

The WPS Caucus seeks to ensure that the WPS goals stated in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and in the Women, Peace and Security Act (Public Law No: 115-68) are actively considered national security and foreign policy priorities for the United States in our bilateral and multilateral relations, discussions, and agreements.

The WPS Caucus provides an opportunity for civil society, the Executive Branch, and Congress to work together to push this critical agenda forward. Specifically, the WPS Caucus provides a Congressional platform to:

• raise awareness on issues related to WPS priorities,
• educate the public and Members of Congress on WPS policy initiatives,
• exercise Congressional oversight of implementation of the WPS National Strategy, and
• explore WPS issues related to specific conflicts around the world.

Launch of the WPS Caucus

“We are thrilled with the work of Rep. Frankel and Rep. Waltz and their teams in bringing this Caucus forward… Peace agreements last longer, economies are more stable and democracies flourish when women participate fully. This caucus will help us make sure we’re getting that right and achieving better national security and peace outcomes for our country.” - Sahana Dharmapuri, Vice President of Our Secure Future, at the public launch of the WPS Caucus on March 9, 2020 on Capitol Hill.