Nigerians across the governance spectrum have been urged to ensure gender parity and inclusion in addressing security challenges as well as conflicts.
Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative & Democratic Studies (NILDS) said this at a two-day workshop held in Abuja.
The workshop has as its theme: “ENHANCING GENDER RESPONSIVE SECURITY OPERATIONS AND THE ROLE OF LEGISLATORS IN WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY (WPS) IN NIGERIA.”
Sulaiman, represented by Prof. Adewale Aderemi, a Director with NILDS, said it was worrisome that there was a global shift away from inclusive politics, with dictatorship and authoritarianism increasing conflicts and its attendant social disruptions.
“It is no doubt that the participation of women in mediation and decision-making processes is vital to conflict prevention and resolution. This is because of their understanding of conflict dynamics and how to build effective response and prevention strategies,” he said.
“Studies have shown that the active engagement of women in peace building increases the chances of lasting peace, as shown during the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. That is why we need full gender parity, including through quotas, to accelerate the inclusion of women across election monitoring, security sector reform, disarmament, demobilization, and the justice systems.”
Sulaiman also lamented that despite several efforts and advocacy, the women, peace, and security agenda continued to be challenged and even reversed around the world.
“I wish to therefore urge us all to reflect on the fact that, despite consistent agreement on the value of women at the peace table, there is still a huge gap in their participation, and in the implementation of promises made for their protection, human rights, and dignity. Being a woman does not make anyone less human.”
Inclusion
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Istifanus Zabadi of Bigham University said security operations are hardly inclusive in terms of both the forces involved and the intended beneficiaries – especially women.
“Currently, women are largely excluded in the design and executions of security operations and this can be seen in the composition of the organisations involved in security operations where women are a footnote,” the International Relations expert said.
“The women are not only excluded, they are often perceived as passive observers or victims of insecurity as opposed to the thinkers and actors involved in ensuring a nation’s security.”
“In compliance with her international obligations, Nigeria has been working to see the realisation of the objectives of UNSCR 1325 with regard to WPS.
“The effort on the ground is very much aspirational and progress is slow and perhaps not visible. It is certainly work in progress but will require political “shocks” to get the male-dominated order to make significant progress be it in government, the armed forces and other security institutions or the wider society,” he noted.
The two-day workshop is intended to bring a synergy among security agencies as well as other organs of government in mainstreaming gender balance in tackling all security issues in the country.
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