Organizational change in IOs in times of crisis: Women, Peace and Security and UN reform

This paper explores organizational change in International Organizations (IOs) during times of crisis through a study of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) programming, gender governance and gender expertise in UN peace operations. As the UN proceeds with the UN80 Initiative launched in March 2025 by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it is also facing one of the worst financial crises in the history of the UN. Currently, UN80 reforms, the reduction of gender programming budgets as part of the contingency planning, and gender backlash across the UN system are having a detrimental impact on WPS programming in peace operations. Drawing on feminist institutionalism and insights from business continuity management (BCM), we study the rationalities behind reform proposals and proposed cuts on the one hand, and the advocacy and resilience of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) programming, gender governance and gender expertise on the other. The research is based on interviews with representatives and staff from Member States, UN Headquarters, and staff in peacekeeping operations.