Women, Peace, and Security: Recognizing the Vital Contributions of Women Serving in Special Operations and Overseas Protections

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to acknowledge the strides made in advancing the role of women, particularly in the realm of peace and security. The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiative, established October 31, 2000, through the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, underscores the critical role women play in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding.

While we have witnessed remarkable progress—such as increased representation of women in peace negotiations and greater awareness of gender-based violence—challenges persist in addressing the unique vulnerabilities women face in conflict-affected areas. Honoring the contributions of women throughout history, on January 24, 2025 the new administration reaffirmed a strong commitment to advancing the WPS agenda, a vital necessity for lasting peace and security.

A recent Military Women's Memorial Women, Peace, and Security Event, celebrating the brave women serving in special operations and counterterrorism, brought a refreshed opportunity to reflect on the need for WPS, as it relates to today’s complex and increasingly dangerous world. An exclusive discussion with Jessica Yahn, Executive Producer of Guerrera, and members of the special operations and counterterrorism community, highlighted Guerrera, a new docuseries that tells the story of the Cultural Support Teams (CST) and Female Tactical Platoon (FTP), who operated on the frontlines in Afghanistan. The new series is dedicated Capt. Jennifer Moreno, who was killed along with 3 other Rangers in Afghanistan. These women were instrumental with a vital role in special forces helping shape counterterrorism strategies, ensuring a strategic advantage over adversaries. This led to more effective security outcomes by engaging and empowering women in local communities to foster trust and enhance the legitimacy of security operations.

Army CST (Dulcinea Productions/Fox News)

“Women in combat broke the "iron" ceiling more than a decade ago when female soldiers volunteered to throw themselves into some of the toughest operations carried out during the War on Terror, deploying with elite military units … known as the CST.”

- Caitlin McFall, Shattering the 'Iron' Ceiling: New Series 'Guerrera' Explores Vital Role of U.S. Female Troops in Combat

The list of valuable strengths the women of the CST and FTP brought to security and peace strategies is vast, however a few mission-critical contributions include:

Local Knowledge, Gender-Sensitivity & Influence: They held significant influence in their communities and provided valuable insights into social dynamics, potential threats, and conflict resolution strategies. The specific needs of the women and girls in Afghanistan, managed by local women, enhanced operational effectiveness, especially in areas where cultural norms dictate gender roles.

Operational Effectiveness: Participation in security operations led to more comprehensive threat assessments and innovative solutions to complex security challenges.

Data Collection & Reporting: Incorporating gender analysis into security assessments brought enhanced understanding to the unique security challenges faced by the women and girls in the conflict zones—essential for tailoring security strategies and ensuring that interventions are context-specific and effective.

Long-Term Stability: Focusing on the broader goals of promoting peace and stability in conflict-affected regions, by addressing the root causes of conflict and empowering women, we can play a vital role in fostering sustainable development and resilience.

Above all, engaging women in peacebuilding efforts not only aids in conflict resolution, but also contributes to the rebuilding of social cohesion and trust in post-conflict societies.

Understanding the Women, Peace, and Security Initiative

With demonstration of its strong power of influence through the years, the intersection of gender, security, and peace has emerged as a pivotal area of focus for international stability and development­­­­. For private security contractors operating overseas, supporting this initiative is not only a moral imperative, but also a strategic necessity that can significantly enhance operational effectiveness, community relations, and long-term stability.

In June 2019 President Donald J. Trump released the United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS Strategy), which recognizes the benefits derived from creating opportunities for women and girls to serve as agents of peace via political, economic, and social empowerment. It recognizes that women are not only victims of conflict but also essential agents of change.

SOC’s Support of Women, Peace, and Security Worldwide

We have been a critical partner to women in volatile regions, providing security and protection, and empowering them to advance in roles of conflict prevention, resolution, and stabilization. Our global work aligns with the four pillars of the WPS agenda: participation, conflict prevention, protection, relief and recovery. 

In 2024, we proudly received the ISOA Women, Peace, and Security Award at the Global Impact Awards Gala, recognition of our critical role in proactively addressing the needs of women, while empowering them to contribute their talents and energies to international peace, security, and prosperity.

Protecting diplomatic interests during extreme instability, our female leaders have been instrumental in navigating the unique challenges to create and sustain a safe and secure environment for diplomacy. In example, SOC’s female leadership is critical to operations supporting multiple agencies on countless missions, even hostage rescue missions, throughout the West Bank in support of women’s protection, rights, freedoms, empowerment, and contributions. Our teams have also provided protective services, specialized security services, and logistical support services for thousands of Afghan guests, including women and children, utilizing SOC’s local insights and deep understanding of the brutal treatment of Afghan women and children.