Women have proved they are as effective in police, military and civilian roles as their male counterparts. They are also key agents in mediation and peacemaking globally. The United Nations (UN) found that women's involvement in peace processes increases the probability of a peace agreement lasting at least 2 years by 20 %, and the probability of it lasting 15 years by 35 %.

EU countries still have some way to go towards women's full participation in the military and peacekeeping. In 2020, women accounted for only 13 % of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military personnel, and roles like front-line combat remain closed to women in some countries. In peacekeeping, women make up 24 % of EU mission and operation participants.

The EU has made significant progress on fostering equality between women and men, committing itself to increasing female labour market participation, tackling gender stereotypes and improving working conditions through its gender equality strategies. The EU has also committed to increasing the number of women in military and civilian peacekeeping roles, including in leadership positions. After signing up to landmark UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, the EU adopted its own strategy. The related EU action plan for 2019 to 2024 sets out concrete measures to support women peace negotiators and mediators and achieve gender balance across the EU's peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities. The European Parliament strongly supports women's equal participation and full involvement in efforts to maintain peace and security.