The Norwegian government has designated 2026 as the Year of Total Preparedness. Against this backdrop, the PRIO GPS Centre has seen growing interest among Norwegian stakeholders in gender perspectives on societal preparedness.
In September, Torunn L. Tryggestad gave presentations on this topic at events organised by some of Norway’s largest trade unions, including Akademikerforbundet’s annual leadership seminar, which gathered approximately 55 participants, and a gathering organised by the Norwegian Nurses Organisation in Oslo, attended by around 200 participants.
At both events, Tryggestad discussed the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda, Norway’s extensive international engagement in this area, and the commitments outlined in Norway’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. She also explored what it means to bring the WPS agenda “home” by applying it in a national context.
Drawing on examples and experiences from the war in Ukraine, Tryggestad highlighted the relevance of integrating gender perspectives into national societal preparedness strategies, policies and practices. The presentations aimed to inspire union leaders and members to approach societal preparedness in new and creative ways, and to consider how gender perspectives can contribute to more inclusive approaches to preparedness.
