The Czech Republic launched its first National Action Plan (NAP) in 2017 for the period of three years, 2017-2020. This NAP has been developed through a participatory process that involved the Government Council for Gender Equality, that consists of representatives from the government, academia and civil society, and several ministries, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Interior. Domestically and internationally, the NAP is to be implemented through the activities of individual ministries and development partners. Monitoring and evaluation of the NAP will also be undertaken by the Government Council for Gender Equality and other relevant advisory bodies.
The Czech Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia, split peacefully with Slovakia in 1993 but is currently engaged in several conflicts as a NATO member. Tension amongst the many ethnic groups in the Czech Republic has also resulted in various forms of discrimination and aggression. The basic documents which guarantee the principle of equality are the Constitution of the Czech Republic and the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. These documents declare that all people are free and equal in their dignity and in their rights. However, women in the Czech Republic, particularly from minority groups, face risks of gender-based violence.
By adopting the NAP, the Czech Government reaffirms its commitment to the promotion of international peace and security, as well as to the defense of gender equity and the empowerment of all women and girls. However, Czech NAP clearly showcases the intention of the Government to re-frame women’s role in society and position them as key participants in the country’s defense sector.
At the 23 April 2019 high-level WPS Commitments event, the Czech Republic committed to creating a new NAP in advance of October 2020.