NAP 1325 Signatory Event: WPS and Underreported Crises - Impact and Recommendations from DRC, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, April 22, 2025

Nutshuis, the Hague 

Reflections and recommendations from the #NAP1325 Signature Event on "Women, Peace and Security in Underreported Crises" 

On the 22nd of April, WO=MEN Dutch Gender Platform, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CARE Nederland and Oxfam Novib co-facilitated the well-attended NAP 1325 Signatory Event "Women, Peace and Security in underreported crises". During a highly interactive panel discussion, we delved into the crucial work on women, peace and security in a number of underreported crisis contexts: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The event was moderated by CARE Nederland Director Reintje van Haeringen.   

Keynote: progress is measured by courage, resilience and long-term dedication 

In his keynote speech, the deputy Director of the Department for Social Development of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gerton van den Akker, expressed the evident reality that the world has become increasingly unstable in recent years. This is marked by a rise in political unrest, violent conflicts, and related casualties. The headlines often spotlight the most recent and visible crises. Yet, many of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies—such as those in Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and the DRC — receive little to no sustained public attention. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ perspective, particularly through the lens of our National Action Plan on Women, Peace & Security (WPS), these crises are addressed by diplomacy, financial support and a focus on tackling the root causes of instability. Despite policy changes and budget cuts, the Netherlands takes a role in responding to the so-called neglected emergencies, from prolonged displacement in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, to chronic food insecurity in Yemen, Sudan and the DRC.   

Deputy director Van den Akker stressed the important role of everyone involved in the work while operating in incredibly difficult contexts and circumstances with exceptional dedication and energy:  

"Their work reminds us of all that progress is not measured by news cycles, but by courage, resilience and long-term dedication. This year, 2025, marks significant milestones for women's rights and gender equality, such as the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. These anniversaries are not just commemorations—they are calls to action for equal, and meaningful participation of women in peace and security efforts.” 

Moderated by Reintje van Haeringen, panelists from the DRC, Yemen, Sudan, and Syria shared their experiences and challenges regarding working on the ground on women, peace and security in these humanitarian crisis contexts, and offered recommendations from the perspective of women's rights and gender equality. 

Sudan: accountability should not be a barrier to survival 

Sudan is facing the worst humanitarian crisis ever. The death toll is over 150,000 people and an estimated 13 million people are displaced. More than half of these numbers are women. The war has destroyed schools and infrastructure. Women are attacked in particular. Women and girls, especially those that are displaced, experience gender-based and sexual violence. Despite of the fear, Sudanese women are stepping up: they run community kitchens, they help communities in cities and conflict zones.  Sudanese women are saving lives, they don’t wait for recognition or permission. But they need our trust, protection and support: 

Syria: women need to be included in decision-making regarding the future of Syria 

Repression of women’s voices in Syria is increasing. Women remain silent however, because of stigma. They cannot talk about the current fear of repression, as they are scared or they face negative consequences, even the risk to get killed. Independent social media is lacking. Women voices must not be left behind and need to be amplified and supported. Women need to be included in political decision-making. We need a future that protect human and women’s rights and a bright future without violence:  

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Promote peace and mobilise flexible and multisectoral funding 

There are multiple crises in the DRC, some of which have already lasted for more than 30 years. Nearly 6 million people are internally displaced due to violent conflict, floods and drought. Women and girls endure horrific gender-based and sexual violence. A war is being fought using women’s bodies to destroy society and to cause terror in the conflict affected areas. Often due to being internally displaced and subsequent desperate poverty, many women and girls are forced into marriage. 

Yemen: solidarity and diplomatic strength are crucial for the work on women’s rights 

Yemen continues to face a dire humanitarian crisis, with over half the population requiring aid due to economic collapse and failing services. This has led to increased child marriage and the displacement of almost half a million people in 2024. Women activists face specific restrictions in Yemen. Women are excluded from peace talks. Free movement for women has been restricted as well, including the obligation. to have a male guardian for travels””.