Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank my colleague for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5332, the Women, Peace, and Security Act.
First, I thank my partner in this effort, Congresswoman Kristi Noem, for all of her work in making this day come, as well as to thank Chairman Royce, who not only spoke so eloquently about the importance of this legislation, but who helped to make it happen today. I thank Ranking Member Engel for his leadership in moving this legislation forward. I am so appreciative.

This is a bipartisan, budget-neutral bill to encourage the participation of women in creating peace. As Congressman Royce said, when women are involved in the peace process, negotiations are more likely to end in lasting agreements. He is right in that the International Peace Institute found that a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last for at least 15 years if women participate in drafting the agreement. The study also found that, with a 5 percent increase in women's political participation, a nation is five times less likely to use violence when faced with international crisis or conflict. Promoting the participation of women abroad is in our country's strategic interest as it increases stability and economic prosperity. However, women remain underrepresented in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict peace-building efforts around the world.

The Women, Peace, and Security Act is a step toward fixing that imbalance and promoting a more peaceful future. The Women, Peace, and Security Act would, for the very first time, establish women's participation as a permanent element of U.S. foreign policy under congressional oversight. It would also promote greater transparency and accountability in efforts at the Department of Defense and the Department of State. Under the Women, Peace, and Security Act, those departments would report annually to Congress on efforts to actively recruit women and to promote women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution.
The bill would encourage the United States to assist women mediators and negotiators by eliminating barriers to their equal and secure participation in peace processes. In addition, it would institute comprehensive training modules on the protection, rights, and specific needs of women in conflict and would require the administration to evaluate the impact of U.S. foreign assistance on women's meaningful political participation.

The United States plays such a crucial role in promoting peace all over the world. By making women's participation in the peace process a national priority, we will improve national and global security. I am proud to join Congresswoman Noem in championing this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to support its passage.

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