Pentagon ends Women, Peace, and Security program, raising questions
- Replies 1
The US Department of Defense has officially ended the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, prompting renewed conversation about the role of diversity-focused initiatives in the military.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision earlier this week, citing concerns about the program’s focus and alignment with the Pentagon’s core mission.
The WPS program originated from a 2000 United Nations resolution aimed at increasing women’s involvement in global peacebuilding efforts and protecting women from violence in conflict zones.
The United States became the first country to codify this commitment into law with the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017, signed by then-President Donald Trump.
Since its implementation, the program has been supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and officials, many of whom remain active in the current administration.
In a social media post, Secretary Hegseth criticized the program as a distraction from military readiness and referred to it as a “divisive” initiative.
He expressed concern that the program shifted focus away from the military’s primary responsibility: preparing for and engaging in combat operations.
Although the legislation establishing the WPS program was enacted during the first Trump administration, Hegseth asserted that the Biden administration had “distorted” the original intent.
He indicated that while the Department of Defense will continue to meet legal requirements regarding WPS, efforts are underway to remove funding in upcoming budgets.
The decision comes amid wider discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies.
Opponents argue that such initiatives can detract from core institutional responsibilities, while supporters cite evidence that including more diverse perspectives leads to improved outcomes, particularly in peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery.
Studies have shown that peace agreements are more likely to endure when women are involved in the process.
Source: X / @PeteHegseth.
The announcement has drawn attention due to the involvement of several current cabinet members in establishing the WPS program.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were both original sponsors of the 2017 legislation, and both have recently reiterated their support for the initiative.
Former White House advisor Ivanka Trump also promoted the program during her international advocacy efforts.
These differing views suggest that the conversation around the program’s future is likely to continue.
The US has historically played a leading role in promoting women’s participation in peace and security across the world.
With many allies having adopted similar models based on the US example, scaling back the program may affect future international cooperation in this area.
Critics of the decision suggest it could complicate diplomatic relationships or signal a shift in US priorities on global security matters.
Read next: Millions of lives at risk: Global HIV progress threatened by alarming budget cuts
As the conversation over defense priorities continues, The GrayVine community is invited to weigh in. Do programs like Women, Peace, and Security contribute meaningfully to national defense? Or should the military focus solely on combat readiness? Share your perspective in the comments below!
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision earlier this week, citing concerns about the program’s focus and alignment with the Pentagon’s core mission.
The WPS program originated from a 2000 United Nations resolution aimed at increasing women’s involvement in global peacebuilding efforts and protecting women from violence in conflict zones.
The United States became the first country to codify this commitment into law with the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017, signed by then-President Donald Trump.
Since its implementation, the program has been supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and officials, many of whom remain active in the current administration.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently announced the end of the Pentagon’s Women, Peace, and Security program, citing concerns over its focus. Image Source: YouTube / The Washington Examiner.
Secretary Hegseth’s reasoning
In a social media post, Secretary Hegseth criticized the program as a distraction from military readiness and referred to it as a “divisive” initiative.
He expressed concern that the program shifted focus away from the military’s primary responsibility: preparing for and engaging in combat operations.
Although the legislation establishing the WPS program was enacted during the first Trump administration, Hegseth asserted that the Biden administration had “distorted” the original intent.
He indicated that while the Department of Defense will continue to meet legal requirements regarding WPS, efforts are underway to remove funding in upcoming budgets.
Broader conversation about DEI in defense policy
The decision comes amid wider discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal agencies.
Opponents argue that such initiatives can detract from core institutional responsibilities, while supporters cite evidence that including more diverse perspectives leads to improved outcomes, particularly in peace negotiations and post-conflict recovery.
Studies have shown that peace agreements are more likely to endure when women are involved in the process.
Source: X / @PeteHegseth.
Also read: Government officials thought their data was secure until it wasn’t—are you safe?
Internal disagreement within the administration
The announcement has drawn attention due to the involvement of several current cabinet members in establishing the WPS program.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were both original sponsors of the 2017 legislation, and both have recently reiterated their support for the initiative.
Former White House advisor Ivanka Trump also promoted the program during her international advocacy efforts.
These differing views suggest that the conversation around the program’s future is likely to continue.
Also read: Information's being taken down: How the executive orders are impacting public health resources
Implications for US global leadership
The US has historically played a leading role in promoting women’s participation in peace and security across the world.
With many allies having adopted similar models based on the US example, scaling back the program may affect future international cooperation in this area.
Critics of the decision suggest it could complicate diplomatic relationships or signal a shift in US priorities on global security matters.
Read next: Millions of lives at risk: Global HIV progress threatened by alarming budget cuts
As the conversation over defense priorities continues, The GrayVine community is invited to weigh in. Do programs like Women, Peace, and Security contribute meaningfully to national defense? Or should the military focus solely on combat readiness? Share your perspective in the comments below!
