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25 Years of Women, Peace and Security

The UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted 25 years ago, reaffirmed that women play a crucial role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding and peacekeeping. Our ongoing social media campaign celebrates this milestone while reminding us that the work is far from over.

Check out our Linkedln, Facebook and X channels throughout October to learn more, support the campaign, and discover how we honour 25 years of action and commitment.

From theory to practice: advancing SSR and DDR in Kenya

As part of our partnership with the International Peace Support Training Centre, anchored in the Switzerland–Kenya peace and security agreement, DCAF co-delivered the Level 2 Pilot Course on Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Nairobi. Through interactive sessions and simulations, participants explored how theory meets reality, from governance reforms and post-conflict recovery to decision-making under political pressure.

Strengthening border crisis response in The Gambia

DCAF held a multi-agency simulation in Banjul under the EU-funded project “Support to the Gambian security sector reform process for improved security, migration and border management.” Bringing together 28 border officials and 13 observers from security institutions, local authorities, and civil society, the exercise tested coordinated responses to evolving crises, from health risks to misinformation and unrest.

Leveraging the UPR for accountable security governance

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, DCAF co-organized a side event with the Permanent Missions of The Gambia and Switzerland on how the Universal Periodic Review can strengthen accountable, rights-based security institutions. Drawing on findings from DCAF’s forthcoming policy brief analysing over 100,000 UPR recommendations, the discussion explored how the UPR can help address governance gaps, promote inclusive and people-centred institutions, and prevent violence by tackling its root causes.

Strengthening partnerships in Canada

DCAF’s Director, Ambassador Nathalie Chuard, and Head of Partnerships, Cristina Finch, visited Ottawa to engage with key Canadian partners on shared priorities in peace, governance, and inclusive security. Meetings with senior representatives from Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence focused on cooperation in Ukraine, Haiti, Lebanon, the Indo-Pacific, and the Sahel, as well as on gender-responsive governance, institutional capacity building, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.