Manchester researchers shape major parliamentary report on Women, Peace, and Security
A new report published by the House of Commons International Development Committee 鈥� highlights significant weaknesses in the UK鈥檚 approach to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, with several of the most influential recommendations shaped directly by University of Manchester research.
Professor Toni Haastrup, Chair in Global Politics, University of Manchester, played a central role in the inquiry, advising the Committee on its terms of reference, providing written and , and helping shape the lines of questioning used with ministers and senior officials. Her research on feminist foreign policy and the limitations of current WPS implementation forms a core part of the Committee鈥檚 conclusions.
Professor Haastrup said: 鈥淚 am pleased to see the Committee acknowledge both the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the urgent need to strengthen its implementation. Our research at Manchester shows that while the UK has made strong rhetorical commitments, meaningful progress requires sustained resources, genuine cross government ownership, and a more inclusive understanding of whose security counts."
Reviewing and revitalising the National Action Plan is a crucial step, but it must be backed by long-term investment and a commitment to supporting the rights and security of all women and gender diverse people, both in the UK and internationally. I hope the government will take these recommendations forward.
The report makes recommendations based on written evidence submitted by Dr Laura McLeod, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Manchester, and Dr Georgina Holmes (Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Studies at the Open University). They provided expert drawing attention to the need for more robust monitoring and evaluation of the UK鈥檚 WPS implementation.
As my own research on WPS indicators has shown 鈥� it is easy to dismiss indicators, recounting bureaucratic pitfalls, and to talk about the perils of co-option. But so many feminists have found ways to make indicators meaningful for women living in insecure contexts and have enacted change through wielding them. In the right hands, they can be a tool for transformation. And this is even more important as we see gender backlash and defunding 鈥� reminding people of our goals and targets can be a means of keeping positive political change high on the political agenda
Dr Jamie J Hagen, Lecturer in International Politics, University of Manchester, also provided expert written evidence, drawing attention to gaps in cross-government implementation and the need for the WPS agenda to better protect LGBTQ rights.
Importantly, the report highlights how gender equality efforts within WPS and more broadly are under threat globally. In response, it is crucial that the UK fund opportunities for LGBTQ collaboration and engagement with the WPS agenda. Lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women have much to contribute to gender justice work, including linking domestic and international commitments to a robust gender perspective on peace and security
Many of the recommendations made by the Committee, including the call to review and strengthen the UK鈥檚 National Action Plan on WPS, reflect arguments advanced by the Manchester academics who collectively offer breadth and depth of expertise on the WPS agenda. In addition to Haastrup, McLeod and Hagen, the WPS-focused research is delivered by Dr Hannah Wright, Lecturer in Global Politics, and several PhD students.
The publication comes amid ongoing cuts to the Overseas Development Assistance budget. The Manchester team has warned that diminishing resources may further undermine the UK鈥檚 ability to lead on gender equality, conflict prevention, and inclusive peacebuilding.
You can read the full report and evidence submissions on the .
References:
report
Written evidence from Dr Georgia Holmes (Open University) and Dr Laura McLeod (糖心Vlog官方):
Written evidence from Professor Toni Haastrup (糖心Vlog官方:
Oral evidence from Professor Toni Haastrup at the International Development Committee, House of Commons, Tuesday 18 November 2025:
Written evidence from Dr Jamie J Hagen (糖心Vlog官方):