The Department of State (the Department) supports the United States’ unqualified commitment to empower and protect women in countries threatened and affected by war and conflict, violence, and insecurity. Given our leadership role in U.S. diplomatic engagement, our foreign assistance programming, and robust relationships with civil society actors across the globe, we are well-positioned to support the implementation of the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security

Throughout the second year of the National Action Plan’s implementation, the Department built on longstanding efforts to integrate women’s views and perspectives into diplomatic, security, and development efforts. To bolster the impact of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiatives laid out in the Department’s implementation plan, we continued to invest in internal staff development as well as external coordination activities. In 2013, we launched several new initiatives, built on ongoing activities, and coordinated through bilateral, multilateral, and civil society engagements, elevating the U.S. commitment to WPS. The lessons we have learned are helping us strengthen the Department’s agenda to protect women and girls, as well as empower and enlist them in efforts to achieve international peace and security.