Assessing UK Government Action on Women, Peace and Security in 2024

In this Shadow Report Assessing UK Government Action of Women Peace and Security in 2024, GAPS assesses the UK Government’s implementation of its fifth National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (2023–2027), as detailed in the Government’s 2024 Annual Report to Parliament. The report is published at a critical juncture: the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and the midpoint of the current NAP cycle.

It captures a year shaped by worsening global conflict, declining UK aid budgets, and the increasing marginalisation of gender equality in foreign, development and defence policy. While acknowledging some positive steps, the report highlights missed opportunities and structural delays particularly the lack of a published MEL framework, weak consultation with civil society, and limited financial transparency around WPS investments.

This Shadow Report sets out urgent, practical recommendations to help close the gap between policy and implementation. These include reinstating gender as a cross-government priority, publishing the MEL framework, strengthening civil society consultation, and establishing a dedicated WPS fund. It builds on years of GAPS reporting and civil society expertise, offering a clear roadmap for the UK to meaningfully implement its WPS commitments in the final two years of the NAP.

Together, the Shadow Report and Case Studies provide a detailed, grounded, and urgent call for renewed UK action on Women, Peace and Security at home and abroad.