Greek National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) 2023-2028

The plan covers a five-year period from 2023-2028 and was adopted in December 2023.  It aims to enhance the national implementation of the UN Security Council Agenda on WPS and it addresses the disproportionate impact of armed conflict and violence on women and girls, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in peace and security contexts, both domestically and internationally.  

The NAP WPS emphasizes international promotion of the UNSC Agenda on WPS and integrates gender considerations into national policies, aligning with existing plans like the National Action Plan on Gender Equality. Its development involved collaboration with civil society, and the implementation is overseen by an Inter-ministerial Working Group for monitoring and evaluation.

Objectives:

The NAP WPS seeks to achieve objectives across five pillars, all aimed at advancing the WPS agenda:

• Prevention: Preventing armed conflict and all forms of violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations.
• Participation: Promoting the leadership and equal participation of women in peace and security decision-making processes at all levels.
• Protection: Ensuring that women and girls are protected from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in conflict situations, and that their rights are protected and promoted.
• Relief and Recovery: Providing assistance to survivors of SGBV and integrating a gender perspective into humanitarian response and post-conflict recovery efforts.
• Promotion: Advancing the WPS Agenda internationally, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and women's roles in peacebuilding within Greece's foreign policy and at international forums.

The NAP WPS includes a range of objectives and targets that align with the pillars mentioned above. While the 2021-2025 National Action Plan on Gender Equality (NAPGE) included 28 indicators for monitoring progress, it did not set quantifiable targets. Given the recent adoption of the NAP WPS, specific, measurable targets may be elaborated in accompanying documents or implementation frameworks.

Implementation:

The Greek NAP WPS is based on a "whole-of-government" approach that involves cooperation and coordination among various ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is further informed by regional frameworks like those from the European Union and NATO/EAPC, according to the WPS Focal Points Network.

Monitoring:

The implementation of the NAP WPS is monitored by a gender-inclusive Inter-ministerial Working Group, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is responsible for monitoring the plan's implementation.

While the exact reporting schedule is not explicitly stated in the provided information, regular monitoring and evaluation of progress are expected.

Interim Report:

Details regarding the interim report for the current NAP WPS (2023-2028) could not be located on this search, but given the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place, progress reports are likely to be issued at regular intervals.

Women in Police and Military Roles:

The NAP WPS is expected to include actions to increase women's participation in police and military roles, building upon existing efforts and frameworks related to gender equality within the Greek context. For example, studies highlight the role of sports in integrating women into military institutions.

Women in UN and Military Peacekeeping Roles:

The NAPWPS, particularly under the "Promotion" pillar, prioritizes advancing the WPS Agenda internationally. This includes integrating gender considerations into Greece's defense and foreign policies and highlighting the protection of women and girls in conflict settings at the UN Security Council. Efforts are aimed at increasing the deployment of Greek women in UN peacekeeping missions and other relevant military and security roles according to the WPS Focal Points Network. There does appear to be persistent barriers limiting women's access to peacekeeping roles, such as the need for appropriate equipment and sanitation facilities, according to the UN peacekeeping website.

UN Peacekeeping as of 31 March 2025:

As of March 31, 2025, Greece has contributed 127 personnel for peacekeeping missions (of which only 23 are women).

Civil society involvement in the development of the NAP:

Civil society organizations (CSOs) played a crucial role in the development and ongoing implementation of Greece's National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) for 2023-2028.

Key aspects of civil society involvement

• Public Consultations: The NAP WPS was developed through consultations with civil society organizations and other stakeholders, ensuring their perspectives and concerns were taken into account.
• Inter-ministerial Working Group: An Inter-ministerial Working Group, responsible for monitoring the implementation of the NAP WPS, includes representatives from civil society, demonstrating a commitment to continued engagement with CSOs.
• Focus on Local Needs: This collaboration with civil society organizations is important for ensuring the NAP addresses local needs and priorities, particularly those of women and girls in conflict-affected areas.
• Expertise and Advocacy: Civil society organizations bring valuable expertise and advocacy to the WPS agenda, helping to shape policies and practices that advance gender equality and women's empowerment.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Civil society can play a significant role in monitoring the implementation of the NAP WPS and evaluating its effectiveness, ensuring accountability and promoting continuous improvement.

While specific organizations involved in the Greek NAP WPS are not listed in the provided information, the Hellenic Platform for Development represents a network of Greek CSOs focused on sustainable development and global citizenship, showcasing the potential for impactful collaborations.

This collaborative approach involving civil society is essential for ensuring that the NAP WPS effectively translates the WPS agenda into tangible actions and promotes the meaningful participation and empowerment of women in peace and security contexts in Greece and beyond.

References

Greece NAP (In Greek) Could not locate an English translation at this point

Microsoft Word - ΕΣΔΓΕΑ 2023-2028_FINAL_30.11.2023

UN statistics

https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/05_missions_detailed_by_country_84_march_2025.pdf

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