WPS @ 25 in the Middle East and North Africa: Men, Militarization, and Masculinities

As part of the WPS @ 25 Experts’ Meeting on 9 October 2025, the Swedish Dialogue Institute for the Middle East and North Africa (SDI), in partnership with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and co-organised among others by PAX and PAX local partner ABAAD, will host a panel discussion on “WPS @ 25 in the Middle East and North Africa: Men, Militarization, and Masculinities.”

This session will explore how gendered dynamics—particularly militarized masculinities—shape conflict, peacebuilding, and the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the MENA region. Four regional experts will share insights from consultations on how to meaningfully include men and boys in advancing the WPS agenda, followed by an interactive discussion with participants.

The panel will provide space to exchange lessons learned, highlight opportunities to engage men and boys as allies, and discuss how addressing militarization and masculinities can strengthen WPS implementation at both local and global levels.

Please note that the event is invitation only.