In this report, CHIKA OKEKE unlocks the dual roles played by women in peace building and security despite rising cases of Gender- based Violence (GBV).
Peace-building and security are crucial for the growth and development of any nation. From the Global South down to Global North, the roles of women are indiscribable. However, there seems to be a paradigm shift as women tries to navigate troubled terrains.
Recognising the contributions of women, the Beijing Declaration was adopted by the United Nations at the end of the Fourth World Conference on Women in September 15, 1995.
The resolution was adopted to promulgate a set of principles concerning the equality of men and women during the fiftieth anniversary of the UN.
Article 35 of the Declaration states that: "(We) recognize that the status of women has advanced in some important respects in the past decade but that progress has been uneven, inequalities between women and men have persisted and major obstacles remain, with serious consequences for the well-being of all people.
Article 24 added that: "We are determined to take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and the girl-child and remove all obstacles to gender equality and the advancement and empowerment of women."
In addition to this, Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1325, which was adopted on October 31, 2000. In view of the agreement, Nigeria developed a National Action Plan (NAP) to implement the resolution.
The resolution recognised the role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, peace negotiations, and peacekeeping. In addition, the development of Nigeria's NAP was inclusive and participatory, as it captured contributions from the civil society organisations and faith-based organisations.
Globally, women have played significant roles in mediation, conflict resolution, community stability and security that are mostly downplayed and overlooked due to societal position.
In Nigeria alone, women-led organisations had lent their voices in countering violent extremism, promoting community resilience, and advocating for the full domestication of Child Rights Act, as well as exploring avenues for the implementation of human rights. Despite these, women are restricted in attaining higher leadership position compared to the men, who believed that women's education often end up in the kitchen or 'the other room.'
From the grassroots down to the Federal levels, women have demonstrated high-level diplomacy and their capacity to rewrite historical errors, foster sustainable peace and impact livelihoods.
Irrespective of the massive contributions, women continues to battle Gender-based Violence (GBV), systematic barriers and under-representation that restricted women's full engagement in security frameworks.
These notable roles were brought to limelight at the just concluded two-day 5th Annual Forum on: 'Enhancing Implementation: The Role of the Security Sector in Nigeria’s 3rd National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security.' It was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UN Women and Government of Germany.
The NAP was developed by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with the support of the Nigerian Stability Reconciliation Programme (NSRP), the European Union, and UN Women. Its objectives were compiled under five overarching thematic pillars such as prevention and disaster preparedness; participation and representation; protection and prosecution; crisis management, early recovery, and post-conflict reconstruction; and partnerships, coordination, and management.
But the conference was planned to address the pitfalls and highlight workable solutions toward ending unfair treatment against women. It also fostered dialogue, collaboration, and ownership to enhance implementation, monitoring and reporting of the NAP by Security Sector Institutions (SSIs).
This was even as the experts emphasised the need for gender-sensitive security strategies, policy reforms, and increased investment in women’s leadership programmes.
Peacebuilders
To amplify the voices of women, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) participated in the conference. The association was formed in September 1989 to serve as a rallying point for female journalists in Nigeria.
Sharing the lessons learnt, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT Chapter, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang opened up on the crisis faced by women in Abuja and Nigeria generally.
She enjoined the media, civil society organisations, and policymakers to join forces in amplifying the narratives of women peacebuilders and dismantle the barriers hindering their full participation in nation-building, expected to foster an inclusive security landscape and build a future defined by stability, justice, and progress.
Ita-Ikpang said: "The media plays a crucial role in promoting peace and security by influencing public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and providing a platform for marginalised voices to be heard through various platforms, just as we have always done here in the FCT. By amplifying the appeals of the indigenous people, we assure that more will be done moving forward.
"We also help prevent conflicts by promoting dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation, which will reduce panic and promote informed decision-making.
"The power of the media lies in its ability to provide accurate, timely, and balanced reporting that fosters informed discussions on peace and security. By highlighting the root causes of conflicts, exposing human rights violations, and giving a voice to marginalised communities, the media helps to bridge divides and promote peaceful coexistence."
She pointed out that NAWOJ FCT chapter has been very active on gender- related issues, promising that the association will not backtrack in bringing to fore the contributions of women in peace-building.
"As the world navigates complex security challenges, a responsible and proactive media landscape is essential.
"I urge the media to amplify voices of peace, countering divisive narratives, and fostering informed discourse as the media can be a powerful force for stability and development," Ita-Ikpang added.
Gender Inclusion
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development was established in 1995 to promote the development of women and children in the country. Its major goals were to promote women's civic, political, social, and economic participation; coordinate and monitor women's programs; and provide financial and technical support to women's non-governmental organisations.
Also, to review laws that affect women, promote literacy and health programs for women, and also address HIV/AIDS in the workplace.
At the conference, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim sought for increased gender inclusion in Nigeria’s security sector in order to dismantle systemic barriers hindering women’s participation in decision-making roles.
Representative of UN Women, Beatrice Eyong encouraged the 10th National Assembly to 'prioritise the passage of this amendment, which will create a more inclusive and gender sensitive legal framework for the security sector."
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who was represented by Air Commodore Taiwo Ojo harped on the need for security actors to lead by example.
This, he believed will foster gender-responsive policies, strengthen accountability, and ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes.
At the end, the German government was awarded the 'Women, Peace & Security Ambassador' Award in recognition of their contribution to a safer and more equitable Nigeria for women and girls.
However, as Nigeria struggles to attain effective security with the partnership of UN Women, security agencies, development partners and civil society, there is a need to priortise gender, women and girls' issues for a more inclusive society.
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