The United States Forces Korea hosted the Tri-Command Women, Peace and Security Symposium on July 9-10, 2024, at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea.
The event highlighted the integration of WPS principles into military operations as a vital line of partnership between the U.S., the ROK, and United Nations Command Member States.
The symposium focused on how WPS can be applied to mission sets on the Korean Peninsula. The event brought together 300 participants, including personnel from across the Tri-Command, as well as WPS subject matter experts from the Office of Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, RAND Corporation, Korea National Defense University, UN Women and other key stakeholders.
“Women, Peace and Security is a definite priority and will continue to be a focus for the Tri-Command and in our militaries for many years to come,” said USFK Commander, Gen. Paul LaCamera during his symposium welcome remarks.
Participants engaged in insightful discussions and exchanges of ideas on incorporating gender perspectives into peace and security efforts, thereby enhancing military effectiveness and operational success.
“WPS enables us to better identify and address gender-related drivers of instability, build societal resilience, and counter coercion,” said Ms. Monica Herrera, Senior Gender Advisor at OUSD-P, in her presentation on U.S. government WPS priorities. “Analyzing gender dynamics in the operating environment can better inform any mission set that involves human populations.”
The two-day symposium provided a forum for meaningful discussion on lessons learned, shared interests in operationalizing WPS, and exploration of the next steps to address the unique challenges faced by women, men, boys, and girls in conflict, post-conflict, and steady-state operations. Expert speakers underscored the importance of systematic inclusion of gender considerations in all aspects of military policy, planning, and execution. Sessions included a keynote speech from RAND WPS Initiative Director Dr. Kyleanne Hunter that highlighted the need to consider gender in key military operations on the Korean Peninsula, including noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and gender-based violence prevention and response, during crisis and conflict.
Lt. Col. Rebekah Beaumont, Australia Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command Gender, Peace and Security Advisor, highlighted the need for interoperability across WPS mission sets during her presentation on ADF WPS implementation.
“ADF leadership considers Gender in Military Operations as a force multiplier,” Beaumont said. “As a mission partner, Australia has many synergies with the U.S. approach to (WPS), creating collaboration and mutually supporting opportunities.”
Col. Jung Hee Hyoung, Combined Forces Command C5 strategy chief, presented about ROK WPS implementation, advocating the need for the ROK military and the Tri-Command to adapt to the dynamic security environment by meaningfully integrating WPS considerations into combined joint plans and policy.
On the second day of the symposium, Ms. Lee So Yeon, New Korea Women Federation CEO, and Mr. Ko Yong Hwan, president of the National Institute for Unification Education, presented on North Korean defector perspectives and implications for the Tri-Command. They shared examples of gender dynamics at play in the daily lives of North Korean citizens, as well as within North Korea’s Korean People’s Army.
Ms. Ahjung Lee, a UN Women specialist, spoke on a symposium panel about cultivating allyship in the defense and security sector.
“Addressing root causes of conflict, including gender inequality and discrimination, can help prevent conflicts from escalating and contribute to sustainable peace,” Lee said. “By promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, military forces can mitigate grievances and build more inclusive societies resilient to violence and extremism… allyship is not just about supporting women’s rights, but about recognizing the interconnectedness of gender equality with broader efforts for peace, security, and development.”
Throughout the second half of day two, participants utilized interactive workshops to work together in small groups. They applied common themes from symposium presentations to defense sector problem-sets, specific to the Korean Peninsula.
“The WPS agenda reflects our dedication to a more inclusive and secure future,” Air Commodore Chris Robson, USINDOPACOM J5 Deputy Director for Strategy & WPS Senior Representative, noted. “By advancing the WPS agenda, we are strengthening interoperability and reinforcing our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
“The feedback from this Tri-Command WPS symposium is invaluable as we work to establish the USFK WPS program this year,” said Dr. Jason Seol, USFK WPS director and lead planner for the event. “With the unwavering support of USINDOPACOM, OUSD-P, and WPS experts from academia, the interagency and the international community, we have a unique opportunity to improve our institutions and implement effective strategies. Together, we will drive positive change on the Korean Peninsula and set a global precedent.”
