Sustainable development cannot be achieved without women’s equal access to opportunities and full participation in their societies. As the world is currently experiencing the largest number of violent conflicts since World War II, we know that each community’s ability to prevent conflict, respond to violence, and build durable peace will lay the foundation for their long-term development. A quarter of the world’s population lives in conflict-affected areas, with 80 percent of USAID Missions residing in conflict-affected countries. As outlined in the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017, women and girls are disproportionately impacted by conflict. The status of women and the stability of nations are inextricably linked – higher levels of gender equality make countries more prosperous, secure, and democratic; and peace agreements are 35% more likely to last 15 years or more when women meaningfully participate in peace processes. Thus, the WPS Agenda is critical to USAID’s development efforts.