YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- U.S. and Japan military and defense personnel convened for the third annual Women, Peace and Security in Military Operations Workshop at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 22-23.
“The U.S. Department of Defense defines WPS as a capability to enhance mission effectiveness, supporting all aspects of decision-making, from policy creation to security sector reform,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, U.S. Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force commander. “The principles of WPS focus on ensuring that all people –men and women, boys, and girls–are meaningfully participating in forums and discussions relating to peacebuilding and security.”
Spanning two days, the workshop featured multiple panels, discussions and presentations from both the U.S. and Japan, leveraging the expertise of trained WPS advisors to exchange ideas, share best practices, and explore meaningful dialogue on how to further expand collaboration on WPS topics in defense sector operations.
“This actually marks the 25th year of the 2000 United Nations resolution on women, peace and security,” said U.S. Air Force Major Jamie Leonhart, Fifth Air Force strategy and engagement division chief. “The agenda says that when women are included in peace processes, the peace is longer lasting and it has a better chance of success. So, it's important to bring our allies and partners together on this initiative so that we can work together and make women, peace and security a better, more highlighted product.”
Additionally, representatives from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea, and the Philippines also attended the workshop, displaying participant’s broad commitment to contributing not only to regional stability, but also to global efforts aimed at advancing peace and security.
“From humanitarian response to combat operations, our missions in the defense sectors of our nations are stronger when we seamlessly integrate a WPS perspective into our operations and planning cycles,” said Jost. “Let us keep in mind that the assurance of peace and our shared security is dependent on the collective strength, wisdom and contributions of all like-minded persons with those aims in mind, regardless of rank, age, or background.”
Women, Peace and Security events align with DoD and Congressional requirements while also serving to help operationalize WPS principles across military capabilities.