Women’s Inclusion Key to Sustainable Peace — FCDO

The Governance Team Lead at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Mr Chris Okeke says sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the inclusion of women and girls in governance and peace building processes.

Mr Okeke spoke in Abuja during a one-day dialogue to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

The event, themed “Women’s Rights and Justice-Taking Action for Sustainable Peace,” was organised by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG), a UK-funded programme, in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Justice and Women Affairs and Social Development and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

According to him, the theme reflects national realities as rights without justice lack credibility while justice without action has little impact.

“We are here today to mark the International Women’s Day as part of our strategic partnership with the Government of Nigeria protecting the rights of women and girls.

Okeke said women’s inclusion was essential for stability, noting that excluding women and girls from decision-making processes undermines peace and development, particularly in conflict-affected communities.

“We have heard here today the testimonies of women and community leaders from around the country, from Benue, Plateau, and we have seen the significant work that women are doing.

“This is in line with advocacy, in terms of governance, bringing women’s voice into community-based issues, also supporting women’s livelihood.”

Okeke said women have played significant roles in resolving communal conflicts and promoting peace in communities.

“So, we think that this is very important going forward to create that space for women to be heard and to participate in governance, but above all, to create the space for communal peace in some of these conflict-affected regions.”

Strong Legal Frameworks to Protect Women 

In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, said sustainable peace and social stability were closely tied to protecting women’s rights.

Represented by Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, Head of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit, Fagbemi said Nigeria had strengthened legal frameworks protecting women and girls.

“The real measure of progress lies in effective implementation, accessible justice systems and coordinated action among stakeholders.”

Also speaking, theTeam Lead of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme, Ukoha Ukiwo, said the initiative strengthens peacebuilding, security and resilience across Nigeria while promoting women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding.

Ukiwo expressed hope that discussions would advance women’s rights and improve access to justice ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said security and development issues would not be addressed without including women at decision-making levels.

Represented by Dr Emily Ikhide, Head, Gender and Inclusivity Unit, NILDS, he said women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population and should help shape policies affecting national security and development.

The Chief Scribe of the Jos South Traditional Council, Bukuru Gyel, Mr Jonathan Dangyang, said through SPRiNG’s effort women now find themselves in leadership positions.

According to Dangyang, they own lands and properties among other things.

Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Otukpo Kingdom in Benue, Chief John Eimonye, represented by Chief Udeh Adole said “men have begun empowering women to strengthen peace and leadership roles.”