The Nigeria Police Force Gender Advisor, AIG Aishatu Baju, says the participation of three women police officers at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), recently held in New York, has advanced gender inclusion and engendered institutional reform.
Leader of the delegation and Force Gender Advisor to the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju, noted that the delegation’s presence underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen gender equality and enhance the professional advancement of women within the Force under the leadership of IGP Olatunji Ridwan Disu.
The Commission on the Status of Women, convened annually by the United Nations to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, drew participation from governments, civil society organisations, and international institutions to review progress and chart pathways for improving the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
The 2026 convergence, themed Rights, Justice, Action For All Women And Girls, featured discussions focused on ensuring and strengthening access to justice for women and girls through the elimination of discriminatory laws, dismantling structural barriers, and reinforcing gender-responsive institutions.
For the Nigeria Police Force delegation, Baju says the theme holds direct relevance, given its critical role in guaranteeing access to justice, addressing gender-based violence, protecting vulnerable populations, and building public trust through rights-based policing.
On the sidelines of the session, the Nigerian police delegation engaged the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, in a strategic meeting aimed at fostering collaboration in capacity building, mentorship, technical support, advocacy, and policy development for women police officers.
The engagement, which positioned the Nigeria Police Force as an active contributor to international efforts on gender equality and inclusive security governance, also explored opportunities for Nigerian officers to participate in global frameworks, including initiatives linked to CEDAW, as well as broader international policing and gender programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity and global visibility of Nigerian women police officers.
Reflecting on the significance of the participation, AIG Aishatu Abubakar Baju said:
“The participation of Nigerian women police officers at CSW70 represents a strong commitment by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening gender-responsive policing and ensuring that women and girls have greater access to justice. Engagement with global partners provides valuable insights and opportunities that will further enhance the capacity of our officers to protect vulnerable populations and contribute to national and international peace and security.”
She applauded the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his support in promoting gender inclusion within the Force.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and advancing policies that empower women officers to contribute effectively to policing, peacebuilding, and national development.