By Justina Auta
Stakeholders on Thursday advocated mainstreaming gender in addressing emerging peace and security challenges in the country.
They made the call at the Women, Peace and Security Reference Group fourth annual forum 2023, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigerian Police Force, UN Women and other partners.
The forum had “Operationalisation of Gender and Security Policies: Roles of Security Agencies in Addressing Emerging Peace and Security Challenges in Nigeria” as its theme.
Retired Gen. Lucky Irabo, the keynote speaker and former Chief of Defence Staff, commended the significant roles women play in peace, stressing the need to involve them more in resolution of conflicts and security issues in the country.
He said “the multidimensional and complex nature of the modern day security environment demands an approach that accommodates inclusivity.
“This is so because inclusiveness shows the great prospect for resolving issues toward a more peaceful and humane world.
“Women should be engaged. Studies show that women who partake in peace process usually focus more on reconciliation, education, transitional justice and economic development.”
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, said that the forum theme was apt in the present atmosphere of peace, safety and security in Nigeria, and global advocacy for gender inclusivity.
“This forum serves as a platform for advocacy for the realisation of gender responsive security sector, especially as it relates to protection of women, children and the vulnerable in the country.
“It is also expected to serve as a platform to avail all key holders in the security sector the opportunity to review progress made in the implementation of the women 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 continue implementation of gender sensitive policies.”
Also, Dr Eleanor Nwadinobi, the President, 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.”
On her part, Mrs Uju Kenendy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, said it was not enough that 35 per cent affirmative action exists as a policy, it must reflect in all recruitments across board.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, therefore, urged the public to report any recruitment processes at MDAs to ensure the actualisation of the 35 per cent affirmative action on women inclusion.
She also expressed optimism that cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) will reduce with the commencement of the recently approved mobile courts by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.
Similarly, Lansana Wonneh, UN Women’s Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, also advocated for equal opportunities for women to realise their full potential. (NAN)