U.S. President Barack Obama has released an action plan to promote the role of women in peace keeping and conflict resolution.

The president signed an executive order Monday that directs the Departments of Defense and State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to appoint more officers to monitor, coordinate and implement the efforts.

The executive order says the U.S. government will institutionalize a gender-responsive approach to its diplomatic, development, and defense-related work in conflict areas. It will also strengthen efforts to prevent and protect women and children from exploitation, discrimination and abuse, and to hold perpetrators in conflict-affected environments responsible.

The White House says the national action plan and the executive order chart a roadmap for how the United States will “accelerate and institutionalize efforts” across government to advance women's participation in preventing conflict and maintaining peace.

It says the United States will respond to the distinct needs of women and children in conflict-affected disasters and crises, including by providing safe, equitable access to humanitarian assistance.