On Thursday, stakeholders advocated mainstreaming gender in addressing Nigeria’s peace and security challenges.
They made the call at the Women, Peace and Security Reference Group’s fourth annual forum 2023, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigerian Police Force, UN Women and other partners.
General Lucky Irabor (retd), a former chief of defence staff, was the keynote speaker. He commended women’s significant roles in peace, stressing the need to involve them more in resolving conflicts and security issues in the country.
He said, “The multidimensional and complex nature of the modern-day security environment demands an approach accommodating inclusivity.
“This is so because inclusiveness shows the great prospect for resolving issues toward a more peaceful and humane world. Women should be engaged,” said Mr Irabor. “Studies show that women who partake in peace process usually focus more on reconciliation, education, transitional justice and economic development.”
IGP Kayode Egbetokun said the forum theme was apt in Nigeria’s present atmosphere of peace, safety, and security and global advocacy for gender inclusivity.
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 expected to serve as a platform to give all key holders in the security sector the opportunity 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 Mr Egbetokun.
Also, Eleanor Nwadinobi, the president of the Medical Women’s International Association, said, “The group was established to fast-track joint efforts to achieve the objective of enhancing gender mainstreaming within the security sector.”
(NAN)