Aligning Participation and Protection in the Women Peace and Security Agenda

This article presents the first feminist doctrinal textual analysis of cross-pillar synergies within thematic resolutions of the UN Security Council. Specifically, it examines the pillars of ‘participation’ and ‘protection’ under the women, peace and security agenda (WPS). In attempts to balance agency with victimhood, normative advancement of both pillars has until recently evolved along parallel tracks, with little acknowledgment of how protection relates to women’s participation. The paper identifies synergies, gaps and productive tensions as the WPS agenda begins to engage with the inter-relationship between the pillars. It outlines critical implications and considerations for any future moves towards cross-pillar congruence.