Security, peace impossible without women – Stakeholders

International and national development partners have called on the Nigerian government to actively involve women in issues of peace and security if the sustainable development goals are to be achieved. Speaking at a national conference on women, peace and security, yesterday, the Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment […]

International and national development partners have called on the Nigerian government to actively involve women in issues of peace and security if the sustainable development goals are to be achieved.

Speaking at a national conference on women, peace and security, yesterday, the Country Representative of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), Ms. Comfort Lamptey, said it would be unproductive to make policies or plans without contributions from women who unfortunately bear the major pains of conflict.

Calling for a gender sensitive legislative framework, Lamptey said 49 women were appointed in Numan Local Government Area in Adamawa, following the advocacy on women inclusive government but added that much more is needed if any meaningful progress is to be made.

She however harped on the need to protect women and girls, particularly in the northern part of the country.

The State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Norway, Ms Laila Bokhari, added that humanitarian challenges have always affected women and girls in conflict areas.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan, said it was necessary for women to take part in peace processes to defend their rights and priorities and also ensure that they are adequately addressed.

The minister, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Ifeoma Abagbogu, said “The Nigerian women are not only an important part of our history, but a pivot of our future development as a nation.

“This administration, through actions and policies has expressed its desire in placing the country on the path of sustainable progress, where every woman and girls can better achieve her dreams.’’

Alhassan said the measure includes special focus on sexual violence, integration and empowerment of women to enhance their dignity.

The Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, represented by the Director of Social Development Department, Mrs Elizabeth Egharevba, said the Federal Government was committed to security of girls adding that it was due to its intervention that the Chibok girls were released. 

 Ahmed said it was important to dialogue on conflict issues as women and children were usually vulnerable, stressing that peace would not be achieved if the women are not carried along.