SWEDEN

Sweden's first NAP was launched in 2006, with a second running from 2009-2012, and the latest from 2016-2020. 

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Objectives/Aims of the 2016-2020 NAP:

Sweden’s NAP outlines four main objectives towards the implementation of UNSCR 1325.

1. Inclusive peace processes and peacebuilding: Make visible and strengthen women's influence and meaningful participation in peace processes and in peacebuilding and state building.          2. Conflict prevention: include women and men to address structural root causes of conflict and violence.                                                                          

3. Strengthen protection of women and girls from all types of violence in conjunction with and following armed conflict.                              

4. Leadership and expertise: Reinforced integration of a  gender perspective and expertise into all peace and security activities.

In respect of the leadership objective a commitment has been made that the senior management must ensure that the action plan is translated into operational plans, that resources are allocated, that the activities are followed up and that skills in this field are continuously developed.

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Commentary:

The NAP was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with a reference group, which consisted of several government agencies, civil society organisations, and research institutes. The NAP outlines a monitoring and evaluation framework that consists of annual reviews, with a detailed implementation matrix and follow-up plan to be developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sweden’s NAP does not include an allocated budget, but indicates that “financing takes place within the framework of regular budget allocation” and that the identified activities to be carried out in focus countries “will be financed within the framework of Sweden’s  international development co-operation”.

Sweden's third National Action Plan for WPS places "greater focus on Sweden's Foreign Service and our foreign missions regarding both the implementation of the plan and reporting on work performed."

Developing and supporting women as mediators and building up mediation expertise is emphasised in the NAP. As well as supporting their participation in the security sector reform, providing a gendered perspective in discussions, and final documents and relevant resolutions in the area of disarmament and arms control (DDR). Attaining a more even gender distribution in decision making and leadership positions is highlighted.

Sweden reported on the implementation of its NAP, as well as WPS commitments, in its national reporting for Beijing+25 and in preparation for CSW64 (2020). In the report Sweden underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity for sustainable peace and the integration of the WPS agenda as a priority for both domestic and international activities. The report states Sweden held a pioneering role in the inclusion of information from women’s organisations in the UN Security Council’s analyses as well as contributing to the increased representation of women in peace processes, including in Afghanistan, Colombia, Mali, Myanmar, Somalia, and Syria. (Report page 56).

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Civil Society’s engagement in development of the 2016-2020 NAP:

The NAP was developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with a reference group, which consisted of several government agencies, civil society organisations, and research institutes. The NAP indicates civil society involvement in the NAP development, implementation, and monitoring process, with several women’s organisations. There is also a reference in the NAP to civil society organisations being supported in conflict and post-conflict countries that are working on peace processes and peacebuilding, with a special focus on women’s rights organisations - "the skills, commitment and experience of civil society actors will be supported and included in the implementation of Sweden’s action plan."

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UN Peacekeeping Statistics:

According to UN Peacekeeping data on 30 June 2022  Sweden contributed 192 uniformed personnel including 176 peacekeepers across ten missions. UN Peacekeeping data in March 2023 reported 88 Peacekeepers. In March 2023  UN military experts on Mission was 12, all men.

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Women’s role in peacekeeping:

The breakdown of UN peacekeeping data on 30 June 2022 shows there were 155 men and 21 women peacekeepers. In March 2023, the breakdown was 74 men and 14 women.  Overall uniformed personnel on 30 June 2022 was 192 men and 34 women. Interestingly for police personnel the gap narrowed – 19 men and 12 women.  

At the end of May 2023 Sweden was contributing 11 peacekeeping experts and staff officers, all of whom were male.  Interestingly, however, again among the 26 police personnel they contributed, there was a better gender balance with 9 female and 17 male.

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References:

Sweden’s WPS NAP can be found at: www.wpsnaps.org/app/uploads/2019/09/Sweden-NAP-3-2016-2020.pdf

Government Offices of Sweden Ministry of Employment Division for gender equality report on Beijing +25 https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/CSW/64/National-reviews/Sweden.pdf

United Nations Peacekeeping. (2023). Troop and police contributors | United Nations Peacekeeping ‌

Breakdown by Breakdown by gender of contribution to missions (dated March 2023) is at: operational effect and women peacekeepers (un.org)

Contribution of Uniformed Personnel to UN by Country and Personnel Type as at 31 May 2023 05-Missions Detailed By Country