Women Minister Calls for Mainstreaming Gender In Addressing Nigeria’s Peace And Security Challenges.
Maryam Aminu
Systematic and representative inclusion of women in a broad range of peace and security issues is not only important to ensuring a successful negotiation, but also for ensuring that women’s interests are being addressed.
The Minister of women affairs in partnership with relevant stakeholders had called for mainstreaming gender in addressing emerging peace and security challenges in Nigeria.
They made the call at the Women, Peace and Security Reference Group 4th Annual Forum 2023, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja
In her address, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs Uju Kennedy Ohanenye said the inclusion of women can and must take many forms, especially in the effort to address rising security challenges.The end to these conflicts cannot be forged through only a top down peace process, with only armed actors at the negotiating table. Instead, it requires a more inclusive process one that includes women playing more pivotal roles in building a peace from the bottom up as well as from the top down, engaging multiple stakeholders.
In her words, she said “We must promote women’s participation and leadership in security institutions, peace negotiations, conflict resolution efforts and bringing a more reconciliatory perspective into negotiations.”
She added that the ministry would ensure the 35 percent recruitment slot is achieved.
Recall in fulfillment of the National Gender Policy which formulated a 35% affirmative action, the managements of the Nigeria Police and federal ministry of women affairs had entered a partnership that will ensure that 35 percent of female applicants are integrated into the recently concluded nationwide recruitment of the Nigeria Police for first school leaving certificate holders,” Kennedy said.
She reiterated commitment of the present renewed hope administration of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support women and as such is willing to empower women.
She further urged security agencies to prioritise gender issues by protecting women as the government empowers them
In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said the forum theme was apt in Nigeria’s present atmosphere of peace, safety, and security and global advocacy for gender inclusivity.
IGP Egbetokun expressed that the forum serves as a platform for advocacy for the realisation of the gender-responsive security sector, especially as it relates to the protection of women, children and the vulnerable in the country, according to the police chief.
It is also an avenue for all stakeholders in the security sector to review progress in implementing the women’s peace and security agenda in Nigeria.
“This forum also has the potential to harness the strategic roles women play in achieving peace and security. I wish to reiterate that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to continuing implementation of gender-sensitive policies,” said IGP Egbetokun
The chief of defense staff, General C G Musa (OFR) represented by Air Vice Marshal A. V Ndace emphasized the importance of utilizing women’s unique skills to addressing security challenges and mainstream them into visible roles within the armed forces
The importance of gender equality was highlighted by Lansana Wonneh, UN Women’s Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria and Ecowas, who advocated for equal opportunity for men especially women to realize their full potential.
