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EO 13595Executive OrderObama · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 13595

Instituting a National Action Plan On Women, Peace, And Security

This executive order establishes a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security, directing federal agencies to integrate gender-responsive approaches into diplomatic, development, and defense work in conflict-affected environments. It mandates State, Defense, and USAID to create implementation plans and requires periodic review with civil society consultation.

Federal Register Open PDF 76 FR 80205

Impact dates

  1. National Action Plan release (trigger for 150-day clock)

  2. First comprehensive periodic review of National Action Plan

  3. Agency-specific implementation plans due (State, Defense, USAID)

Key directives

  • Create National Action Plan per Presidential Policy Directive 1 process
  • State, Defense, USAID each designate coordinator(s) for NAP implementation
  • State, Defense, USAID develop agency-specific implementation plans within 150 days of NAP release
  • Execute implementation plans and monitor/report to National Security Advisor
  • Establish interagency coordination process per PPD-1
  • Create annual progress reporting mechanism to President
  • Conduct first comprehensive periodic review of NAP in 2015 with civil society consultation
  • Coordinate updates to NAP as needed

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Policy declaration establishing WPS as executive branch priority
  • Agency awareness requirement takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • National Action Plan creation under PPD-1 process (no fixed deadline in EO)
  • Agency coordinator designation

Long term

  • Agency-specific implementation plans due within 150 days of NAP release
  • First comprehensive periodic review of NAP in 2015
  • Annual progress reporting to President ongoing
  • Ongoing institutionalization of gender-responsive approaches in conflict work

Risks & tensions

  • No fixed calendar date for NAP release, making 150-day agency deadline indeterminate
  • 'Subject to availability of appropriations' and 'strongly encouraged' language for independent agencies may weaken enforcement
  • Annual reporting mechanism lacks specified public disclosure requirements
  • 2015 review date is calendar year only—precise timing unspecified
  • Gender mainstreaming in security institutions historically faces implementation resistance
  • No enforcement mechanism for non-compliance beyond presidential oversight
Executive Order 13595: Instituting a National Action Plan On Women, Peace, And Security · Executive Orders