By Justina Auta, ABUJA
Nigeria has trained security agencies on implementation strategies of its updated 2021 – 2026 National Gender Policy (NGP). The training was also part of a deliberate plan for the dissemination of the national gender policies across the security sectors.
“The Revised NGP promotes a system in which women, girls, boys, and other vulnerable groups enjoy the same opportunity, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life,” said Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, at the three-day training in Abuja.
He said the goal was for the security agencies to infuse the policies into their projects and programmes in order to promote gender equity and women empowerment.
The permanent secretary said that the first policy developed in 2000 was replaced by the NGP in 2006 after a review and integration of the lessons learnt.
Shinkafi said that the overall goal of the current 2021 – 2026 NGP was to build a just society where women, girls, and other vulnerable groups would enjoy the same opportunity, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life, devoid of discrimination.
”I urge all security personnel to take the training seriously and ensure that gender perspective is mainstreamed into projects and programmes implemented in the security apparatus, for equitable national development.
“Effective implementation of the NGP will go a long way to addressing traditions, customs, sexual stereotypes of social roles, and cultural prejudices that militate against women’s full participation in national development,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Olabisi Aina, Researcher and Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said the NGP is to promote gender equality, women empowerment, human rights, and inclusion.
Aina, who led the development of the 2006 Gender Policy for Nigeria, stressed the need for security organisations to mainstream gender in all its affairs to bridge the divide in society.
She urged them to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen human rights and the rule of law; promote sustainable peace and security; fulfill international commitments and strengthen public trust and legitimacy.
Contributing, AIG Aisha Abubakar – Baju, reiterated the commitment of the police force to prioritise all issues affecting women and children in the society.
She said that the police was currently working on reviewing the revised NGP and mainstreaming it in all their programmes to promote gender equity, justice, and inclusion.
Similarly, Maj. Nneka Olimma, Gender Officer, Defence Headquarters, reiterated their commitment to infusing gender into all their programmes to promote peace and security in the country.
Olishina Ajao, Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said mainstreaming gender perspective in security operations would curb Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and ensure the involvement of women in peace and security.
Ms. Mariam Dacree, Gender Adviser, Department of State Security Services (DSS), said the training would provide the platform for security operatives to network, establish relationships and collaborate towards implementing NGP.
One hundred participants drawn from the State Security Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian military, and other para-military agencies attended the capacity-building workshop.
NAN
